The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for increased support for establishing the Nigerian Coast Guard.
Oyetola stresses its vital role in ensuring maritime safety, economic growth and environmental protection.
Oyetola made the call at a public hearing held by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport on Thursday, where he addressed key stakeholders and lawmakers about the importance of the proposed legislation.
Speaking on Nigeria’s maritime potential, Oyetola highlighted its vast coastline, which stretches over 850 kilometres, and its significant economic importance.
“Nigeria has a vast coastline of 850 km, the equivalent of 10,000 km in two ways. It is also a place of rich and diverse economic sources,” he said.
The minister emphasised that with these opportunities come risks, including pollution, overfishing, and the unsustainable exploitation of marine resources.
The proposed Nigerian Coast Guard is designed to address these challenges, he stated.
Oyetola outlined the key objectives of the Coast Guard, including safeguarding life and property, ensuring environmental protection, and enforcing maritime laws.
“The Coast Guard will play a critical role in safeguarding life’s dignity and trade within the Nigerian Coast Guard and our inland waterways,” Oyetola stated.
The minister also underscored the need for a collaborative approach, noting that the Nigeria Coast Guard would work in tandem with other military agencies, including the Nigerian Navy.
“The Nigerian Coast Guard will ensure effective collaboration with other military agencies to further enhance the protection of our maritime resources.
“The Lagos-Calabar coastal wave development is a major game-changer for the entire coastline of the country,” Oyetola stated.
He noted that the project would unlock significant economic potential in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and marine services.
The hearing also highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship, with the Coast Guard playing a central role in preventing pollution and preserving Nigeria’s marine ecosystems.
“Through the city’s focus on conservation and protection of marine ecosystems, the Coast Guard will support Nigeria’s commitment to environmental stewardship,” Oyetola said.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Wasiu Eshinlokun, stressed that the establishment of the Coast Guard would complement the efforts of existing maritime agencies.
“We must not allow what is happening on the land to happen on the sea,” Eshinlokun remarked, referring to the urgent need to secure Nigeria’s waters against illegal activities.
“The proposal for the Nigeria Coast Guard is part of broader efforts to improve Nigeria’s standing in the international maritime community and to bolster economic activities along the coastline.
