The push for the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill has encountered significant opposition and security concerns, particularly with the rise of various militant groups and non-state actors in the Niger Delta and South-South regions. These groups, masquerading as maritime organizations, have sparked red flags over the proposed establishment of a Coast Guard, with industry experts and government officials raising alarms about their potential to undermine the initiative.
Militant Influence on Nigeria’s Coast Guard Bill
Sources confirm that several militant factions in the Niger Delta have formed maritime-related groups, hoping to secure a role in the Nigerian Coast Guard structure if the bill passes. These developments have led to increasing concerns about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the new body, with experts warning that the infiltration of such groups could undermine the credibility of the initiative.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has firmly rejected the bill, citing the security risks posed by the proliferation of these non-state actors. In an exclusive report from Shipping Position Daily, Ribadu’s office expressed fears that the Coast Guard initiative could inadvertently empower militant factions, posing further threats to the maritime security landscape.
The Role of Existing Agencies in Maritime Security
Some critics, including Engr. Bob Yousuo, National President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNO/WTSSA), argue that Nigeria’s existing agencies, such as the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy, already fulfill the primary roles a Coast Guard would undertake. Yousuo believes that a new agency could be redundant, and that resources should instead focus on enhancing the capabilities of existing maritime security frameworks.
In a recent statement, Yousuo pointed to historical investments, including helicopters and patrol vessels, which have yet to reach their full potential due to poor management and lack of continuity. He also accused individuals of using the Coast Guard initiative to financially exploit the public by promising recruitment into the proposed organization, even before it has been established.
Proponents of the Coast Guard Initiative
However, some seasoned experts like Captain Henry Gumwalk, a Master Mariner, argue strongly in favor of the Coast Guard initiative. Gumwalk insists that the creation of the Nigerian Coast Guard is long overdue and that Nigeria should be focusing on building the agency’s capacity rather than debating its necessity. He also pointed out that just as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has similar roles to the Police, the Coast Guard should be viewed as complementary to existing maritime security bodies, not a competitor.
Captain Gumwalk dismissed the notion that the Coast Guard could exacerbate current issues, emphasizing that intelligence-gathering by security agencies like the Nigerian Navy could effectively differentiate legitimate maritime organizations from fraudulent groups. He further argued that concerns over militant involvement should not overshadow the long-term benefits that an operational Coast Guard could bring to Nigeria’s maritime security.
Rising Debate on Maritime Security in Nigeria
The debate surrounding the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill is not just about security but also about the potential economic impact. Stakeholders from both sides of the argument agree that maritime safety is crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth. Militant groups and non-state actors seeking a stake in the Coast Guard structure could undermine the efficiency of maritime operations, further harming an already vulnerable sector.
As the public hearing on the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard (Establishment) Bill, 2024 progressed in December 2024, several security experts warned that the establishment of a new Coast Guard body could inadvertently fuel the interests of self-serving individuals and organizations, seeking financial gains under the guise of national security.
Looking Ahead: Security Concerns and Policy Adjustments
The controversy surrounding the Coast Guard Bill is a clear indication of the complexities involved in maritime security. While the Nigerian government continues to weigh the pros and cons of the proposal, experts agree that addressing the concerns raised by various stakeholders will be critical in formulating a solution that ensures long-term maritime safety without inadvertently strengthening harmful elements in the Niger Delta region.
With the rise of militant groups and the exploitation of maritime security efforts, Nigeria faces a critical juncture in deciding the future of its maritime regulatory structures. The debate is far from over, and it remains to be seen whether the Coast Guard Bill will move forward or whether existing structures will be revamped to address the growing concerns.
Conclusion: Maritime Security and the Future of the Nigerian Coast Guard
The ongoing debate over the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill highlights the complexities of establishing effective maritime security in Nigeria. While proponents argue for a dedicated Coast Guard, critics stress the importance of strengthening existing agencies like NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy. The influence of militant groups in the region raises valid concerns about the potential misuse of the Coast Guard initiative for personal or political gain. Moving forward, it will be essential for the Nigerian government to carefully navigate these challenges to ensure the security and development of the country’s maritime sector.
