New bill proposes establishment of Nigerian coast guard
Stakeholders and experts from Nigeria's maritime sector have expressed support for the Coast Guard Bill before the country's National Assembly, with many describing the proposed legislation as a boost to the federal government's efforts in securing the maritime space, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said via a recent press release.
Speaking at a public hearing convened by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport to discuss the proposed bill for the establishment of the Nigeria Coast Guard, the stakeholders presented varying views on the bill, with the majority supporting the creation of the National Coast Guard.
Dr Olisa Agbakoba, a maritime lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, described the bill as timely but emphasised the need for professional input to address certain concerns within the draft. He also expressed his willingness to assist in this process.
Former NIMASA Director General Dr Ade Dosunmu offered full support for the bill, suggesting that the Nigerian Navy should focus on blue-water operations and national defence against external threats, while the coast guard should address maritime crimes and incidents along the nation’s extensive 855-kilometre coastline using more adaptable resources.
Dr Dosunmu referenced successful maritime nations such as India, Singapore, China, the United States, Japan, Egypt, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which have well-defined roles for both the navy and coast guard.
However, Dr Dosunmu cautioned against assigning functions such as hydrography and oceanographic research to the coast guard, as these responsibilities are already managed by other agencies and incorporating them could divert focus from the coast guard’s primary mission.
NIMASA said that, while the majority of stakeholders endorsed the establishment of the Nigeria Coast Guard, they also called for careful consideration of the bill's provisions to ensure clarity and effectiveness in its implementation.
