By Winifred Ngozi Orji
Harboursandports.com: Lagos- December 9, 2024: Stakeholders and experts in Nigeria's maritime sector have shown their support for the Coast Guard Bill currently before the National Assembly, with many viewing the proposed legislation as a significant enhancement to the federal government's efforts in securing the maritime space.
During a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport to discuss the bill aimed at establishing the Nigeria Coast Guard, various perspectives were presented, with most participants advocating for the creation of the National Coast Guard.
The majority of the presentations expressed strong backing for the establishment of the Coast Guard, receiving notable endorsements from key figures such as Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Dr. Ade Dosunmu, MON, former Director General of NIMASA; Mrs. Jean Anishere, SAN, representing the Nigeria Bar Association; and Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre (Rtd), former Flag Officer Commanding the Training Command of the Nigerian Navy.
Dr. Olisa Agbakoba characterized the bill as timely but stressed the importance of incorporating professional input to address specific concerns in the draft. He indicated his readiness to contribute to this process.
Dr. Ade Dosunmu expressed his full support for the Coast Guard Bill, recommending that the Nigerian Navy concentrate on blue-water operations and national defense against external threats, while the Coast Guard should tackle maritime crimes and incidents along the country's extensive 855-kilometer coastline using more adaptable resources. He pointed to successful maritime nations such as India, Singapore, China, the United States, Japan, Egypt, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, which have clearly defined roles for both the Navy and Coast Guard.
However, Dosunmu warned against assigning responsibilities like hydrography and oceanographic research to the Coast Guard, as these tasks are already handled by other agencies, and adding them could distract from the Coast Guard's primary mission.
Jean Anishere, SAN, expressed her support for the bill but emphasized the need to address certain ambiguities before it can be enacted. She identified specific provisions in the bill that require clarification and further refinement.
Retired Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre also addressed concerns from the Nigerian Navy, advocating that the Navy should focus on defense, demonstrate military strength, and conduct diplomatic operations within territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He maintained that the Coast Guard should be tasked with enforcing maritime laws in the nation’s inland waters.
While the majority of stakeholders endorsed the establishment of the Nigeria Coast Guard, they called for careful consideration of the bill’s provisions to ensure clarity and effectiveness in its implementation.
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