The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for enhanced collaboration between the ministry and the Nigerian Navy to safeguard the nation’s maritime space, as practiced in other parts of the world.
Oyetola made this submission on Thursday during a Senate public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill 2024 in Abuja.
The bill, which recently passed its second reading in the Senate, aims to establish a dedicated Nigerian Coast Guard to address maritime safety, environmental protection, and enforcement of civil maritime laws.
Recognising the Navy’s Achievements
Commending the Nigerian Navy’s efforts, Oyetola highlighted its role in securing the country’s maritime domain, contributing to Nigeria’s positive global image. He noted the success of collaborative initiatives such as the Deep Blue Project, which, in partnership with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has maintained zero piracy in Nigerian territorial waters over the past three years.
“However, there is a need to further complement the efforts of our Navy as it is done in other climes,” Oyetola stated.
The Need for a Coast Guard
Citing a 2009 Africa Centre for Strategic Studies publication, Oyetola observed that 15 out of 21 sub-Saharan African maritime nations have dedicated coast guards despite smaller populations and shorter coastlines than Nigeria. Similarly, a 2015 report by the Institute for Security Studies of the National Defence College highlighted the economic impact of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, costing sub-Saharan Africa between $3 billion and $5 billion annually in lost revenue.
“The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway development is a major game changer for the entire coastline of the country,” Oyetola remarked, adding that the project would unlock significant blue economy potential, including hotels, eco-parks, ferry services, and industrial parks.
He explained that the anticipated surge in economic activity along the coastline necessitates a dedicated institution like the Coast Guard to ensure maritime safety, conduct search-and-rescue operations, and enforce environmental and civil maritime laws.
“The spate of boat mishaps within the nation’s inland waterways is also a strong justification for the need to strengthen our maritime safety,” he said, emphasising the importance of boosting maritime trade and trans-shipment in Nigeria.
Benefits of a Nigerian Coast Guard
Oyetola outlined the proposed Coast Guard’s responsibilities, which include:
– Maritime Safety: Establishing protocols, enforcing regulations, and overseeing navigation routes in inland waterways.
– Emergency Response: Conducting timely search-and-rescue operations to protect lives and property.
– Environmental Protection: Preventing pollution, enforcing environmental regulations, and conserving marine ecosystems to safeguard biodiversity.
– Law Enforcement: Upholding fishing laws, combating illegal activities, and aligning with international maritime governance standards.
“The Coast Guard will support Nigeria’s commitment to environmental stewardship, safeguarding marine biodiversity for future generations,” Oyetola added.
Strengthening Collaboration
Acknowledging the roles of the Nigerian Navy and other armed forces, Oyetola stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration. “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,” he said.
This collaboration would include joint maritime exercises, technology and resource sharing, and coordinated training to enhance maritime safety and resource protection.
Appeal for Legislative Support
Oyetola urged the Senate and the National Assembly to fully support the Coast Guard Bill, emphasising its potential to complement the Navy and foster a safe and sustainable maritime environment.
“This initiative will strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy, protect natural resources, and ensure prosperity for future generations,” he said. He also called for a flexible and adaptive implementation strategy to ensure the institution’s successful establishment.
“We also encourage those with reservations to see the pressing need for this institution and rally in support of this historic endeavour,” Oyetola added.
