Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria - August 12, 2025: The Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the Provisionary Committee for the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard, PC-NCG, Capt. Noah Ichaba, has called on governors of Nigeria’s coastal states to rally behind the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and other stakeholders in fast-tracking the passage of the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill before the 10th National Assembly.
Speaking in Abuja, Ichaba congratulated Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on his appointment as the inaugural chairman of the International Coastal Border Platform. He also commended Bayelsa for pioneering the creation of a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy at the state level, emphasizing that the proposed Coast Guard would significantly improve maritime safety, environmental protection, and law enforcement across Nigeria’s waterways.
Ichaba further praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for hosting the first International Coastal Border Forum in Uyo. He highlighted the strategic importance of Nigeria’s 853-kilometer coastline and 10,000 kilometers of inland waterways, noting that a dedicated Coast Guard would better secure these areas in line with global standards and in collaboration with existing agencies.
In a statement endorsed by PC-NCG’s Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Piriye Kiyaramo, the committee stressed that establishing a Nigerian Coast Guard could unlock vast economic opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and marine services, while promoting environmental sustainability.
The Chief Executive of PC-NCG, explained that the goals of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Forum align closely with the vision for the Coast Guard, both aiming to tackle maritime threats such as piracy, smuggling, and ecological degradation. The platform, which includes all coastal states, seeks to harmonize maritime laws, strengthen community surveillance, and enhance intelligence sharing.
He emphasized that the proposed Coast Guard, championed by Minister Oyetola, would complement the efforts of existing maritime security agencies like the Nigerian Navy by providing a specialized force dedicated to policing Nigeria’s coastline.
At the inaugural meeting of the International Coastal Border Forum in Uyo, participants issued a communique advocating for a portion of maritime tax and crude oil revenue to be allocated to coastal security. They also called for harmonization of laws such as the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences, SPOMO Act to improve enforcement.
The forum recommended increased public awareness on maritime safety and compliance with national and international regulations. It also urged Nigeria to leverage the African Integrated Border Governance Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost cross-border trade among coastal communities.
The summit featured presentations from key stakeholders, including Rear Admiral D.M. Ndanusa (representing Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla), National Boundary Commission Director General Surv. Adamu Adaji, and legal scholar Enefiok Essien.
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