‘It’s duplication of navy’s function’ — coalition opposes bill to establish coastguard

The Coalition in Support of National Security Advancement (CSNSA) has moved against a bill to establish the Nigerian coastguard.

A public hearing on the bill scheduled to be held on November 7 by the senate committee on maritime transport was postponed indefinitely over the death of Taoreed Lagbaja, the former chief of army staff (COAS).

The bill proposes establishing the Nigerian coastguard to protect maritime zones in the country.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Okwa Dan, the coalition’s representative, said the bill attempts to duplicate the navy’s function.

“The Nigerian Navy’s function and responsibility overlap is one of the main problems. It is noteworthy to state that international acclaim has been given to the Nigerian Navy for its successful management of marine security, which includes law enforcement, counter-piracy, and hydrographic services,” Dan said.

“Moreover, establishing a new coastguard can lead to potential jurisdictional conflicts and operational inefficiencies. Examples from the US, UK, and South Africa show how different duties might prevent such overlaps.

“Nigeria’s unique resources and structure, however, don’t seem well adapted to implementing this distinct strategy exemplified by these countries, considering Nigeria’s present effort in stabilising the economy.

“The proposed coastguard bill has been observed to bring up issues of command organisation and constitutionality. The Nigerian constitution’s section 217 recognises only the army, navy, and air force as branches of the armed forces.

“Thus, creating a second military duty would necessitate constitutional amendments and could create legal ambiguities. Unity of command is essential during emergencies, and military service under a civilian ministry may make this more difficult.

“Furthermore, we discovered that the costly burden of building a coastguard is exacerbated by Nigeria’s economic constraints.

“The Coalition in Support of National Security and Advancement believes that the proposed coastguard under the ministry of marine and blue economy would create a complex administrative structure that could lead to inefficiencies.

“Specific security requirements that might not fit into a single framework are being addressed by each agency, and thus operational inefficiencies may also result from the coastguard’s administrative complexity when placed under the ministry of marine and blue economy.

“Under the ministry of defence, military services typically need a rigid chain of command. A civilian-led command structure for a military service could result in contradictory orders, compromising Nigeria’s ability to respond timely to security threats.

“Rather than strengthening security, the coastguard, as proposed, may exacerbate threats.”

The coalition asked the federal government to increase the funding of the navy instead of creating a coastguard.

The group asked the national assembly to discard the bill, noting that it is not in the best interest of citizens and the country.