The Nigerian Navy and several civil society organisations (CSOs) have opposed a bill aimed at establishing a coastguard.
The bill proposes the creation of a Nigerian coastguard to protect the country’s maritime zones.
If established, the coastguard would be under the ministry of marine and blue economy.
At a public hearing held by the Senate Committee on Maritime Transport on Thursday, Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, argued that the bill seeks to duplicate the Navy’s responsibilities.
Ogalla, represented by Olusegun Ferreira, Chief of Training and Operations, noted that in the UK and the US, the coastguard is a department within the navy.
“United Kingdom does not have a coastguard with military powers similar to those being proposed in this bill. Rather, the Royal Navy is responsible for military defence and maritime security operations, including facial protection, and this is quoted from the house of commons briefing paper of 2020,” he said.
“On the other hand, the UK coastguard is under the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which manages search and rescue and occupational safety.
“In fact, the UK coastguard is also known as a volunteer. Coastguard is not funded by the government but by charity.
“The UK example is a symbol, where a resourceful naval force, with complementary civilian agencies, work to manage maritime safety.
“Then let’s look at the United States of America: the US coastguard operates under the Department of Homeland Security, focusing on law enforcement, environmental protection, search and rescue, while the US navy under the Department of Defence, is primarily an expeditionary force projecting power far beyond the shores.
“South Africa has opted to enhance its network capacity instead of establishing the coastguard, recognizing budget constraints and prioritising the unified labour force for all maritime security and defence.
“South African navy performs both military rules and law enforcement functions supported by government agencies and non-military tasks like environmental protection and the like.
“This approach is similar to what is done in Nigeria and several developing countries. It minimises redundancy and ensures that the country’s limited resources are well managed.
“Given Nigeria’s more regional maritime focus and resource constraints, creating a similar structure will lead to redundant functions and stretch limited resources.”
Emeka Akabogu, honorary secretary of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association; Chris Ezekobe, a retired naval officer; and Igwe Umanta, a representative of a coalition of CSOs, also voiced their opposition to the bill.
Adams Oshiomhole, chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, expressed concerns about the funding for the coastguard.
Philip Agbese, a lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue, described the bill as “irrelevant.”
The lawmaker called on the federal government to increase funding for the navy instead of creating a coastguard.