Esther Oritse
Lagos — Stakeholders and experts in Nigeria’s maritime sector have voiced strong support for the proposed Nigeria Coast Guard Bill under deliberation by the National Assembly which has been described as a significant step forward in enhancing the federal government’s maritime security efforts.
During a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, participants offered varied perspectives on the bill. The prevailing sentiment, however, favored establishing the Nigeria Coast Guard to address pressing maritime challenges.
Prominent endorsements came from distinguished figures such as Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Dr. Ade Dosunmu, MON, a former Director General of NIMASA; Mrs. Jean Anishere, SAN, representing the Nigerian Bar Association; and Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre (Rtd), former Flag Officer Commanding the Training Command of the Nigerian Navy.
Dr. Olisa Agbakoba lauded the bill as timely and expressed a willingness to contribute professional insights to refine its provisions. Dr. Ade Dosunmu fully endorsed the initiative, suggesting a clearer delineation of responsibilities between the Nigerian Navy and the Coast Guard. He proposed that the Navy focus on blue-water operations and national defense, while the Coast Guard handle maritime security along Nigeria’s extensive 855-kilometer coastline. Dr. Dosunmu drew comparisons with successful models in countries such as India, Singapore, and the United States, where distinct roles between the Navy and Coast Guard ensure operational efficiency.
However, Dr. Dosunmu advised against assigning non-core functions like hydrography and oceanographic research to the Coast Guard, as these areas are already managed by specialized agencies. Including them in the Coast Guard’s mandate, he cautioned, could dilute its primary focus.
Mrs. Jean Anishere, SAN, underscored the need to address certain ambiguities within the bill. She called for clarity and refinement of specific provisions to ensure the legislation’s robustness before enactment.
Retired Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre emphasized the importance of the Navy prioritizing defense, military operations, and diplomacy within Nigeria’s territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He stressed that the Coast Guard should focus on enforcing maritime laws in inland waters, allowing the Navy to concentrate on its core functions.
Majority of stakeholders advocated for the establishment of the Nigeria Coast Guard while urging careful review and refinement of the bill’s provisions to ensure its clarity, efficiency, and effective implementation.
