Maritime Stakeholders Endorse Nigeria Coast Guard Bill at Public Hearing

Stakeholders and experts in Nigeria’s maritime sector have rallied behind the proposed Nigeria Coast Guard Bill currently before the National Assembly, hailing it as a significant step toward enhancing maritime security. The public hearing, organized by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, provided a platform for robust discussions on the bill, with a majority supporting its enactment.

Prominent voices in the maritime industry, including Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Dr. Ade Dosunmu, MON, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Mrs. Jean Anishere, SAN, representing the Nigerian Bar Association; and Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre (Rtd), a former Flag Officer Commanding the Training Command of the Nigerian Navy, shared their perspectives.

Key Contributions and Insights

Dr. Olisa Agbakoba described the bill as “timely and essential,” emphasizing the need for professional input to address gaps in the draft legislation. He offered his expertise to refine its provisions and ensure it aligns with global best practices.

Dr. Ade Dosunmu expressed unequivocal support for the bill, advocating for a delineation of responsibilities between the Nigerian Navy and the proposed Coast Guard. He suggested that the Navy focus on blue-water operations and national defense, while the Coast Guard should manage maritime crimes and incidents along Nigeria’s 855-kilometer coastline. He cited successful models from maritime nations such as India, the United States, and China, which have effectively balanced the roles of their navies and coast guards.

However, Dr. Dosunmu cautioned against assigning hydrographic and oceanographic research roles to the Coast Guard, noting that these functions are already managed by specialized agencies and could detract from the Coast Guard’s core mission.

Mrs. Jean Anishere supported the bill but flagged ambiguities within its provisions, calling for clarifications and refinements to ensure its effectiveness. She urged lawmakers to address these issues before passing the legislation.

Retired Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre weighed in on concerns raised by the Nigerian Navy, emphasizing that the Navy’s focus should remain on national defense, showcasing military strength, and diplomatic operations. He advocated for the Coast Guard to handle law enforcement in inland waters, ensuring a clear division of responsibilities.

General Consensus and Recommendations

The public hearing highlighted a broad consensus among stakeholders in favor of establishing the Nigeria Coast Guard. However, participants stressed the importance of refining the bill to avoid overlaps with existing agencies and to ensure clarity in its implementation.

Stakeholders urged lawmakers to consider expert insights, case studies, and international best practices to create a robust and effective framework. With proper alignment and clear mandates, the Nigeria Coast Guard could play a pivotal role in securing the nation’s maritime domain while complementing the efforts of the Nigerian Navy.