By Shina Abubakar Osogbo

The Federal Government has been charged to expedite the establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard in a bid to secure and harness the sector potential efficiently.

The guard which will guarantee security of the maritime sector, would not only create employment opportunities for youth, but also ensure the safeguard the future of the marine economy from economic sabotage.

This was disclosed by a maritime security expert, Mr Abdulazeez Aloba in a statement he issued and made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Saturday.

He added that the coast guard would be a dedicated security architecture dedicated to securing the nation’s vast maritime domain and unlock the full potential of the blue economy.

“The timely establishment of a Nigerian Coast Guard would not only enhance national security and create employment opportunities for youths but also consolidate the achievements of Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, and position Nigeria as a leading maritime nation in Africa.

Consequently, stakeholders have called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill (SB.575/2024), alongside complementary legislation on marine pollution control, illegal vessel operations, and climate adaptation, to strengthen environmental protection and maritime governance.

“The agitation is anchored on constitutional provisions, particularly Section 217(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Federation, including “such other branches” as may be created by an Act of the National Assembly. Legal experts note that this clause offers a clear pathway for the creation of a Nigerian Coast Guard as an additional arm of the armed forces.

“Further reinforcing this position, Section 218 of the Constitution empowers the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to determine the operational use and structure of the armed forces. Analysts believe this constitutional backing provides sufficient legal grounds for the proposed Coast Guard without requiring extensive amendments”, he observed.

He added that debate among maritime professionals concluded that the absence of a specialised coastguard institution has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s longstanding maritime insecurity challenges, including piracy, illegal fishing, crude oil theft, and unregulated shipping activities.

“Findings indicate that Nigeria’s reputation as one of the world’s most insecure maritime environments has discouraged international shipping companies, with several operators reportedly diverting business to neighboring countries with safer waters, thereby affecting national revenue.

“Amid these concerns, stakeholders have commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his proactive leadership and reform-driven initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria within the global maritime community”, he said.

He noted that Oyetola’s diplomatic engagements and policy direction have strengthened Nigeria’s voice in international maritime affairs, particularly within the International Maritime Organization, where Nigeria continues to play a strategic role.

He emphasised that sustaining this progress requires the establishment of a professional and independent Coast Guard capable of meeting international obligations and fostering stronger collaboration with global maritime partners.

“The push for reform also aligns with the development agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has prioritized the blue economy through the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime resources for economic growth”, said Aloba.

He, however, lament that despite Nigeria’s enormous maritime assets, the sector still contributes below expectations to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), largely due to insecurity and weak regulatory enforcement.

“Critical areas such as fisheries, maritime tourism, offshore energy, and coastal trade can only thrive in a secure maritime environment, citing examples from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, where Coast Guard institutions play central roles in ensuring safety and economic expansion”, he added.