SEREC urges FG to address concerns about Coast Guard establishment

A research center, Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) has called on the Federal Government to step down the proposed bill for the creation of Nigerian Coast Guard until all the concerns raised by stakeholders are addressed.

SEREC pointed out that the Nigerian Coast Guard bill had elicited a lot of arguments in favour or against its establishment, saying that both sides, although supported coast guard, but raised crucial issues that should be looked into by the government.

The research centre made the call in a position paper issued and signed by its Head of Research, Dr. Eugene Nweke.

SEREC noted that the nation’s maritime domain is already dominated by multiple government agencies struggling to provide safety and security.

According to the statement, “the Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) is concerned about the ongoing push for the creation of a Coast Guard and has taken the time to weight the arguments from both proponents and opponents. This position paper aims to provide a balanced view of the issue.

“The Nigerian maritime space is a complex domain with multiple agencies operating within it, including: Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, Nigeria Police Marine Unit, Nigeria Customs Marine Unit and Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency

“Arguments in favor of a Coast Guard – Enhanced Maritime Safety, Environmental Protection, Civil Maritime Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Specialized Maritime Law Enforcement and Complementary Role to the Navy

“Arguments Against a Coast Guard – Duplication of Functions, Underfunding of Nigerian Navy, Potential Conflict, Cost Implications and Underfunding of Existing Agencies.”

To address this logjam, SEREC recommended the following:
a). Conduct a thorough analysis of the proposed Coast Guard Bill and stakeholder engagement
b). Define the Coast Guard’s roles and responsibilities clearly to avoid overlap with other agencies
c). Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine the feasibility of establishing a Coast Guard
d).Maritime industry experts should consider national interest above pecuniary or group interest

“In the view of SEREC, while there are valid arguments on both sides, Nigeria’s maritime space could benefit from a Coast Guard that specializes in coastal security and law enforcement. However, it is crucial to address concerns about duplication of functions, cost implications, and ensure effective coordination with existing agencies.

“Pending the outcome of the proposed analysis, SEREC recommends that the proposed bill for the creation of a Nigeria Coast Guard be stepped down for now,” SEREC submitted.