Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has said the establishment of the National Coast Guard Bill will be the catalyst needed in unlocking the nation’s maritime potential
The minister, who made this known at the National Assembly complex at the one-day public hearing on National Coast Guard Bill (NCG), highlighted that the bill, when passed, will guarantee maritime safety, sustainable marine resource development and enhance economic growth.
He said the bill, when it becomes a law, will ensure maritime safety; environmental protection through enforcing environmental regulations and conservation of marine ecosystems, enforcement of civil maritime laws to uphold laws governing civil maritime activities and enforce fishing regulations. while preventing illegal exploitation, ensure search and rescue to maritime emergencies and also conduct timely search and rescue operations.
He cited a 2009 publication by the African Centre for Strategic Studies, which noted that 15 of the 21 independent maritime nations in sub-Saharan Africa have dedicated coast guards and identify themselves as such.
While acknowledging the significant role of the Nigerian Navy in safeguarding the Nigerian maritime space following the collaborative effort with the ministry of marine and blue economy in the Deep Blue Project which has shown great results with zero piracy in Nigeria’s territorial water in the last three years, he stressed the need for the National Coast Guard to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Navy in playing a critical role in preventing accidents, crime, and other threats to maritime activities
He urged the senate and the national assembly to lend their full support to the bill, pointing that, “Nigeria Coast Guard will act as a vital complement to the Navy, fostering a safe and sustainable maritime environment.”
He further appealed for the establishment of a flexible, adaptive implementation strategy that would evolve into a midwife for the bill to succeed while urging those with reservations to see the pressing need of the institution.
Earlier during the hearing, the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio commended the members of Committee on Marine and Transport for their unwavering dedication in piloting the initiative and advocating for the establishment of the National Coast Guard Bill.
