The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, says there is a need to strengthen the collaboration between the ministry and the Nigerian Navy in safeguarding Nigerian maritime space as done in other climes.

Mr Oyetola made this submission on Thursday in Abuja at the Senate public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill 2024.

The bill to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard recently passed second reading in the Senate.

The minister said it was important to give credit to the Nigerian Navy for its achievements in safeguarding the Nigerian maritime space and giving Nigeria a good image worldwide.

Mr Oyetola said the collaborative effort between the ministry and its agency–the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in the Deep Blue Project had shown great results with zero piracy in Nigeria territorial waters in the last three years.

The minister said such an increase in economic activities would require a dedicated institution that would be responsible for ensuring maritime safety, search and rescue, environmental protection and the enforcement of civil maritime laws.

According to him, the spate of boat mishaps within the nation’s inland waterways is also a strong justification for the need to strengthen our maritime safety and the enforcement of maritime laws and regulations in the inland waterways.

“This is necessary to boost maritime trade and trans-shipment in Nigeria. Also, considering Nigeria’s critical position in the maritime domain on the continent and globally, the establishment of a national coast guard will further increase our standing in the comity of maritime nations,” the minister stressed. “This will no doubt attract foreign support and assistance.”

Mr Oyetola said that the establishment of the Coast Guard was aimed at maritime safety–by establishing clear protocols, enforcing safety regulations, and overseeing navigation routes in our inland waterways.

He said the coast guard would be critical in safeguarding lives, property and trade within Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways. The minister said that the coast guard would respond rapidly to maritime emergencies, conducting timely and efficient search and rescue operations.

He also spoke on inter-agency collaboration with military and paramilitary agencies. 

According to him, the ministry is cognisant of the traditional but important roles being played, especially by the Nigerian Navy and the armed forces to protect our waterways and maritime assets through their operations.

He said the coast guard would ensure effective collaboration with other military and paramilitary agencies.

Mr Oyetola urged the Senate and the National Assembly to support the bill fully. 

He said the coast guard would complement the navy, fostering a safe and sustainable maritime environment aligned with international best practices.

According to him, the initiative will strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy, protect Nigeria’s natural resources and ensure prosperity for future generations.

(NAN)