The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Thursday, expressed full support towards the establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard to support the sustainable development of the Marine and Blue Economy sector.
But, in a swift opposition to the proposed bill, the Nigeria Navy argued that the bill diverges from the intent of existing national security frameworks, constitutional provisions, and cost-effective governance policies.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, while speaking at the one day public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport on the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill noted that the Nigerian Coast Guard would act as a vital complement to the Navy.
He said it’s establishment would foster a safe and sustainable maritime environment that is aligned with international best practices.
Oyetola added that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy, protect the nation’s natural resources, and ensure prosperity for future generations.
According to him, A flexible, adaptive implementation strategy should be evolved to midwife its establishment, noting that the ministry also encourages those with reservations to see the pressing need for the institution and rally in support of the endeavour.
Oyetola, particularly commended the efforts of the Committee and its Chairman, Senator Wasiu Sanni, who sponsored the bill, saying that the depth of synergy between the aspiration of the Executive arm of government and that of the Legislature should be encouraged.
He noted that the imperative for the establishment of a National Coast Guard, to support the sustainable development of the Marine and Blue Economy sector is apt.
Oyetola said: “The ministry expresses its support and endorsement of the proposed Bill and strongly recommend that the Bill be given objective consideration.
“Nigeria has a vast coastline of 853 kilometres, including 10,000 kilometers of inland waterways. It is also blessed with rich and diverse marine resources. The exploitation of marine and blue economy potentials usually comes with inevitable consequences which necessitate special institutional arrangements to guarantee safety and conservation.
“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 result with zero piracy in Nigeria 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.”
The minister stressed that a 2009 publication by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies indicated that 15 out of the 21 independent maritime nations in sub-Saharan Africa have dedicated coast guards, that identify themselves as such and none has the population of Nigeria and or the length of the country’s inland waterways or coastline.
He added that 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, which is estimated to cost the region approximately between US$ 3 billion to US$ 5 billion a year in lost revenue.
“The spate of boats mishap 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.
Responding, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla said rather than achieving greater efficiency and security, the proposed bill risks duplicating roles, straining limited resources.
Ogalla, represented by Rear Admiral, Olusegun Ferreira noted that the proposed legislation would introduce operational conflicts within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He added: “This submission will therefore outline a range of counter arguments against the establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard.
“Thereafter, it would be evident that strengthening the Nigeria Navy remains the optimal and most efficient means of further enhancing national maritime security goals within the current economic and security clime.”