Nigeria Requires National Coast Guard For Maritime Security, Says Minister Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has emphasized the need to enhance cooperation between his ministry and the Nigerian Navy to better secure Nigeria’s maritime domain, citing global best practices.

According to a report from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Oyetola made the statement on Thursday in Abuja during the Senate public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill 2024, which recently passed its second reading.

He acknowledged the significant achievements of the Nigerian Navy in safeguarding the nation’s maritime space, noting the positive global image this has fostered for Nigeria.

“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 zone in sub-Saharan Africa.

“These illegal activities are estimated to cost the region approximately between 3 billion dollars to 5 billion dollars a year in lost revenue.

“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.”

The minister pointed out that these economic developments require a dedicated institution to ensure maritime safety, conduct search and rescue operations, protect the environment, and enforce civil maritime laws.

He also highlighted the rising frequency of boat mishaps in Nigeria’s inland waterways as further justification for enhancing maritime safety and law enforcement in the region.

“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 will further increase our standing in the comity of maritime nations. This will no doubt attract foreign support and assistance.”

Oyetola stressed that the creation of the Coast Guard would contribute to maritime safety, establishing clear protocols, enforcing safety regulations, and overseeing navigation routes in both inland and coastal waters.

He explained that the Coast Guard would play a vital role in safeguarding lives, property, and trade within Nigeria’s maritime zones, responding swiftly to maritime emergencies, and conducting search and rescue operations.

“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.”

In discussing inter-agency cooperation, Oyetola acknowledged the essential roles of the Nigerian Navy and armed forces in protecting the country’s waterways and maritime assets. He advocated for the establishment of a framework that would ensure seamless collaboration between the proposed Coast Guard and other military and paramilitary agencies.

“To this end, we advocate the setting up of 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.”

Oyetola urged the Senate and the National Assembly to support the Coast Guard bill, stating that the initiative would complement the Navy, strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy, protect natural resources, and promote prosperity for future generations.

“A flexible, adaptive implementation strategy should be evolved to midwife its establishment.

“We also encourage those with reservations to see the pressing need for this institution and rally in support of this historic endeavour,” he added.