The Senate, on Tuesday, passed for second reading, a bill to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard to be charged with the responsibility of securing the country’s maritime zones.
The passage followed the presentation of the lead debate on the general principles of the bill by the Sponsor, Senate Wasiu Eshilokun (APC- Lagos) during plenary.
Leading the debate, Eshilokun said the bill would help the Coast Guard “to maintain a state of readiness as specialized service in support of the Nigerian Navy in war situations”.
He added that the overriding intent of the bill was to enact legislation that sought to contribute to the security of Nigeria with a special focus on the country’s maritime interests and regional coastal security.
“And adherence to global norms and standards as they relate to maritime security. Assist in the enforcement of all relevant laws within the maritime zones in the jurisdiction of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Administer and enforce regulations for the preservation of lives and property within the maritime zones of Nigeria”.
He further said that the introduction of the proposed legislation at this point in time was apt and strategic, as the current administration, in line with its development agenda, was expanding all economic scope and space for maximum national benefits.
“In this regard, the maritime environment offers a deluge of opportunities, which can be explored to contribute to the diversification policy of the Federal Government, hence the need to put all modalities in place to secure this viable sector of our economy”.
Contributing, Senator Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) said “We need our coast guards; let their duty be properly defined so that customs, navy, anybody will do its own work as assigned to it by the act”.
Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT) said “I support this bill because we cannot have a viable maritime economy without having coast guards.
“The work of the coast guards is different. They monitor our waterways. Annually, we lose N35 billion to illegal fishing. That can be stopped with coast guards,” she said.
Senator Sunday Karimi (APC-Kogi) said that “with the way terrorism is going on all over the world, with the high risk of waterways, the coast guard is something that is urgently needed.”
Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau who presided over plenary said that the bill would ensure that Nigeria’s territorial integrity was protected.
“This will also ensure that our defence is not jeopardised at the naval side,” he said.
The legislation has since been referred to the Senate Committee on Marine Transport for further legislative actions, and to report back in four weeks.