By Abbas Nazil
Stakeholders and experts in Nigeria’s maritime sector have overwhelmingly voiced their support for the proposed Nigeria Coast Guard Bill currently before the National Assembly.
The legislation, seen as a significant step towards enhancing maritime security, was the focus of a public hearing convened by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, where various perspectives were presented, with most expressing strong approval for the establishment of the National Coast Guard.
The bill’s proponents argue that its passage would bolster the federal government’s efforts to secure Nigeria’s vast maritime domain, which includes an 855-kilometer coastline.
Experts believe that establishing the Coast Guard as a dedicated agency will fill critical gaps in maritime law enforcement and enhance the nation’s ability to combat crimes such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing.
The legislation seeks to clearly delineate responsibilities between the Nigerian Navy and the proposed Coast Guard, an issue that many stakeholders see as essential for improving overall maritime governance.
Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, described the bill as a timely and necessary measure for Nigeria’s maritime security framework.
However, he emphasized the importance of incorporating professional expertise to address specific areas of concern in the draft. Agbakoba also pledged his readiness to contribute to refining the bill to ensure its effectiveness once implemented.
Similarly, Dr. Ade Dosunmu, MON, a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), expressed unwavering support for the Coast Guard’s establishment.
He proposed that the Navy should focus on national defense and blue-water operations, leaving law enforcement and maritime crime prevention within inland waters to the Coast Guard.
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Dosunmu cited examples from nations such as India, Singapore, China, and the United States, where clear distinctions between the roles of the Navy and Coast Guard have proven successful.
However, Dosunmu also cautioned against overburdening the Coast Guard with responsibilities outside its core mandate, such as hydrographic and oceanographic research.
He argued that these tasks are already managed by specialized agencies and should remain outside the purview of the Coast Guard to prevent operational inefficiencies.
Concerns about certain ambiguities in the bill were also raised during the hearing. Mrs. Jean Anishere, SAN, representing the Nigeria Bar Association, highlighted areas within the draft legislation that require further clarification.
She stressed the need to resolve these ambiguities to ensure the bill’s effective implementation, advocating for a refined and precise legal framework that aligns with Nigeria’s maritime security needs.
Retired Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre addressed the overlap between the functions of the Navy and the proposed Coast Guard.
He underscored the need for the Navy to concentrate on its primary role of defense, including showcasing military strength and conducting diplomatic operations within territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Ekwerre argued that the Coast Guard should take charge of enforcing maritime laws within inland waters, thereby allowing both entities to operate efficiently within their respective mandates.
The Coast Guard Bill has garnered significant support from maritime stakeholders who see it as a transformative development for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
However, they also emphasized the need for careful deliberation and revision to ensure the bill’s provisions are clear and practical.
Such measures, they believe, will pave the way for an efficient and effective Coast Guard, complementing the Nigerian Navy and enhancing the country’s maritime security framework.
