CSOs reject coastal guard bill

The Coalition in Support of National Security Advancement (CSNSA) has rejected the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill, currently before the National Assembly, citing concerns over national security, economic implications, and constitutional conflicts.

The proposed legislation aims to establish a specialized maritime security agency.

The CSNSA which made this known at a press conference argued that creating a new Coast Guard may duplicate existing duties of the Nigerian Navy, jeopardize national security, and reduce administrative effectiveness.

In a joint address, Okwa Dan and Bilal Abdulahi also highlighted the economic burden of establishing a Coast Guard, which would require significant funding, potentially diverting resources from the Nigerian Navy.

Furthermore, the CSNSA emphasized constitutional issues, noting that the proposed Coast Guard contradicts Section 217 of the Nigerian Constitution, which recognizes only the Army, Navy, and Air Force as branches of the Armed Forces.

Instead, the CSNSA proposed strengthening the Nigerian Navy and establishing a civilian-controlled maritime agency to handle non-military duties.

They urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to reconsider the bill, emphasising the importance of constitutional adherence, effective resource allocation, and national security sensitivity.

“It is crucial to adhere to constitutional limits by making sure that any reorganization of Nigeria’s maritime security does not conflict with the 1999 Constitution.

“Although the Army, Navy, and Air Force are the only three branches of the armed forces recognized by the Constitution, the proposed Coast Guard would legally be an additional department under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, classified as a military service.

“Adding a new branch without a constitutional amendment could lead to serious legal problems and threaten the rule of law. In Section 217 of the Nigerian Constitution, the existing framework gives the armed forces a defined structure and establishes the guidelines for Nigeria’s defense policy.

“In order to avoid any conflicts within the country’s security and military systems, establishing a fourth branch such as a militarized Coast Guard would need a careful legal scrutiny.

“In the event of a national emergency or conflict, concerns about the Coast Guard’s legal authority, responsibility allocation, and chain of command may surface in the absence of constitutional clarity.

“Furthermore, circumventing constitutional processes to create a new branch might erode the security services’ legal basis in Nigeria, which could result in disjointed command structures and inefficiencies within the armed forces.

“The Coalition in Support of National Security and Advancement believes that improving marine safety through the reinforcement of Nigeria’s current security frameworks is a more viable and long-term solution than establishing a distinct Coast Guard.

“It is imperative that this fervor is tempered with a deep understanding of the nuanced challenges facing the nation at the moment. Our position demonstrates a dedication to constitutional observance, effective resource allocation, and sensitivity to matters of national security.

“Establishing a new, independent Coast Guard may seem appealing on the surface, but the practical implications suggest that a more integrated, resource-efficient, and constitutionally aligned approach would be far more beneficial for Nigeria’s long-term security and economic stability.

“We support the Nigerian Navy and encourage all parties involved to carefully weigh these insights because today’s choices will determine the type of destiny we desire for the Nigeria of our future,” the statement said.

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