Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed strong support for the Nigerian Coast Guards Establishment Bill, 2024, which aims to enhance the country’s maritime security and support the development of its Marine and Blue Economy sector. Oyetola made the announcement during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, where he emphasized the importance of the Coast Guard in complementing the efforts of the Nigerian Navy in safeguarding the country’s vast coastline and inland waterways.
Oyetola highlighted that the Nigerian Coast Guards would play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of the nation’s maritime environment, aligning with international best practices. He also commended the Senate, particularly Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, for their leadership in advancing the Bill, which he said is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He underscored Nigeria’s vast marine resources and the growing need for robust institutional arrangements to address the challenges posed by pollution, unregulated development, overfishing, and unsustainable resource exploitation.
The minister further noted the significance of a dedicated coast guard, pointing out that many sub-Saharan African countries, which do not have Nigeria’s extensive coastline or inland waterways, have already established such institutions. He also referenced the economic potential of projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which is expected to unlock opportunities for tourism, hospitality, and other industries along the coastline. Oyetola stressed that the establishment of the Coast Guard would help ensure maritime safety, environmental protection, and the enforcement of laws as Nigeria’s maritime activities grow.
However, the proposal has faced resistance from the Nigerian Navy, which raised concerns about the duplication of roles and the strain on resources. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, represented by Rear Admiral Olusegun Eugenio Ferreira, argued that the creation of a separate Coast Guard might not be the most efficient approach. He warned that it could lead to operational conflicts and a divergence from existing national security frameworks, which are designed to optimise resources and governance. Ogalla also pointed out that international examples of dual maritime security structures, like the U.S. model, are resource-intensive and may not suit Nigeria’s unique security and economic landscape.
Despite these concerns, Oyetola maintained that the establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guards would significantly contribute to the nation’s maritime security and economic development. He called for the Bill to be given objective consideration and endorsed its potential to strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime community.
