The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola has submitted and presented at the Senate public hearing key important factors necessitating for the country to establish a National Coast Guard.
Speaking while soliciting support for the establishment of the Bill at the National Assembly in Abuja, the Minister said “it is very important to give credit to the Nigerian Navy for its achievements in safeguarding the Nigerian maritime space and giving Nigeria a good image worldwide.
“Its collaborative effort with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, its agency- the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in the Deep Blue Project has shown great results with zero piracy in Nigeria’s territorial water in the last three years.
“However, there is a need to further complement the efforts of our Navy as it is done in other climes.
“According to a 2009 publication by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, 15 out of the 21 independent maritime nations in sub-Saharan Africa have dedicated coast guards, that identify themselves as such and none has our population and many of these countries do not have the length of our inland waterways or coastline.
“Also, a 2015 publication by the Institute for Security Studies of the National Defence College of Nigeria highlighted the impact of activities such as illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing in the inland waters, coastal and marine fishing zones in sub-Saharan Africa, which is estimated to cost the region approximately between US$ 3 billion to US$ 5 billion a year in lost revenue.”
The Minister explained that “the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway development is a major game changer for the entire coastline of the country.
“The project is expected to unlock the region’s blue economy potential. Hotels, beach resorts, water parks, eco-parks, ferry services, hospitality industries, industrial parks and more are soon to spring up along the coastline.
“This increase in economic activities will require a dedicated institution that will be responsible for ensuring maritime safety, search and rescue, environmental protection, and the enforcement of civil maritime laws.
“The spate of boat mishaps within our inland waterways is also a strong justification for the need to strengthen our maritime safety and the enforcement of maritime laws and regulations in the inland waterways. This is necessary to boost maritime trade and trans-shipment in Nigeria.
“Also, considering Nigeria’s critical position in the maritime domain on the continent and globally, the establishment of a National Coast Guard would further increase our standing in the comity of maritime nations. This will no doubt attract foreign support and assistance” he stated.
Oyetola noted that the objective of the establishment of a National Coast Guard is one, for Maritime Safety: “By establishing clear protocols, enforcing safety regulations, and overseeing navigation routes in our inland waterways.
“The Coast Guard will play a critical role in safeguarding lives, property, and trade within Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways.
“Search and Rescue: The Coast Guard will respond rapidly to maritime emergencies, conducting timely and efficient search and rescue operations.
“Environmental Protection: The Coast Guard will actively work, in collaboration with other relevant Government Agencies, to prevent pollution and enforce environmental regulations within Nigeria’s waters.
“Through initiatives focused on conservation and the protection of marine ecosystems, the Coast Guard will support Nigeria’s commitment to environmental stewardship, safeguarding marine biodiversity for future generations.
“Enforcement of Civil Maritime Laws: Tasked with upholding laws that govern civil maritime activities, the Coast Guard will enforce fishing laws and regulations, conventions on pollution and other civil maritime offences. This function will support sustainable resource management, protect Nigeria’s waters from illegal exploitation, and align with international best practices for civil maritime governance”.
He further explained that “the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is cognizant of the traditional, but important roles being played, especially by the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces to protect our waterways and maritime assets through their operations.
“The National Coast Guard will ensure effective collaboration with other military and paramilitary agencies.
“To this end, we advocate the setting up of an effective and coordinated machinery for seamless collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, and other armed forces, as well as key agencies in the country, to further enhance the protection of our maritime resources.
“This will include technology and resource sharing, joint maritime exercises, missions and training to enhance maritime safety and foster cooperation’.
The Minister urged the Senate and the National Assembly to lend their full support to this Bill.
“The Nigerian Coast Guard will act as a vital complement to the Navy, fostering a safe and sustainable maritime environment that is aligned with international best practices.
“This initiative will strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy, protect our natural resources, and ensure prosperity for future generations. A flexible, adaptive implementation strategy should be evolved to midwife its establishment” he stated.
In his Address, the Senate Committee Chairman on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshiniokun the Coast Guard will play an important role in national development.
“Distinguished stakeholders, your invaluable contributions during this hearing shape a robust, forward-looking Coast Guard framework.
“As a committee, we are committed to integrating your inputs into recommendations that will ensure this bill stands the test of time.”
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