Ministry Backs Establishment Of Coast Guard

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has expressed full support towards establishing the Nigerian Coast Guard to support the sustainable development of the Marine and Blue Economy sector.

The minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in his speech at the one-day public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport on the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill, 2024, noted that the Nigerian Coast Guard would act as a vital complement to the Navy, fostering a safe and sustainable maritime environment that is aligned with international best practices.

He said the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy, protect the nation’s natural resources, and ensure prosperity for future generations.

According to the minister, a flexible, adaptive implementation strategy should be developed for the midwife’s establishment. The strategy should also encourage 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 Senate Committee on Maritime Transport and its chairman, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun 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.

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He noted that establishing a National Coast Guard is imperative to supporting the sustainable development of the Marine and Blue Economy sector.

Regarding why Nigeria needs a National Coast Guard, Oyetola said: “It is essential to credit 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 excellent results with zero piracy in Nigeria’s territorial water in the last three years. However, there is a need to complement the efforts of our Navy further as they are 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.”