By Olugbenga Salami
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has thrown his weight behind a bill for the establishment of Nigerian Coast Guard to further safeguard the country’s waterways
Speaking at a one-day public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport on the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill, 2024 in Abuja, Oyetola emphasised the necessity of the proposed Coast Guard, saying it’s part of ongoing efforts to enhance maritime security and support the development of the marine and blue economy sector.
He described it as a vital complement to the Nigerian Navy, ensuring a safer and more sustainable maritime environment aligned with international best practices.
Oyetola highlighted that the establishment of the coast guard would address pressing challenges, including illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, which have been estimated to cost sub-Saharan Africa between $3 billion and $5 billion annually in lost revenue.
The initiative, he said, would enhance maritime safety, facilitate search and rescue operations, protect the environment and enforce civil maritime laws.
“Also, a 2015 publication by the Institute for Security Studies of the National Defence College of Nigeria highlighted the impact of activities such as illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing in the inland waters, coastal and marine fishing zones in sub-Saharan Africa, which is estimated to cost the region approximately between US$ 3 billion to US$ 5 billion a year in lost revenue.
“The spate of boat mishaps within our inland waterways underscores the urgent need to strengthen maritime safety and law enforcement. This will boost maritime trade and transhipment activities, ultimately contributing to national economic prosperity,” Oyetola stated.
The minister called for a flexible and adaptive implementation strategy for the establishment of the Coast Guard, urging stakeholders with reservations to recognize its necessity and rally support. He commended the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, led by, Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni for its leadership in advancing the bill, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
However, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, represented by Olusegun Eugenio Ferreira, raised concerns about the potential duplication of roles and the strain on resources.
He argued that strengthening the Nigerian Navy would be a more efficient approach to achieving maritime security goals.
