The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step towards bolstering the country's maritime security by advancing a bill to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard.
This development occurred during a plenary session on Tuesday, October 15, where the bill successfully passed its second reading.
Sponsored by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun of the All Progressives Congress (APC-Lagos), the proposed legislation aims to create a specialized service dedicated to securing Nigeria's maritime zones.
The Coast Guard is envisioned to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Navy, particularly during times of conflict, by enforcing maritime laws and ensuring the safety of the nation's waterways.
Senator Eshilokun emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it "aligns with international maritime security standards" and will significantly enhance Nigeria's ability to protect its coastline and economic interests.
He highlighted the critical timing of the bill, noting that as Nigeria expands its economic activities under a broader development agenda, there is an urgent need for stronger maritime protection.
The bill received widespread support from senators across party lines. Senator Victor Umeh of the Labour Party (LP-Anambra) stressed the necessity of clearly defining the roles of various maritime agencies to ensure smooth operations.
Meanwhile, Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT) pointed out the substantial financial losses due to illegal fishing, estimated at N35 billion annually, which a well-established coast guard could help mitigate.
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