The Provisionary Committee for the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG) has urged governors of Nigeria’s littoral states to support efforts by the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and other stakeholders to secure the speedy passage of the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill before the end of the 10th National Assembly.
Capt. Noah Ichaba, Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of PC-NCG, made the appeal in a statement on Tuesday while congratulating Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on his appointment as the pioneer chairman of the International Coastal Border Platform. Ichaba praised Bayelsa for being the first state in the country to establish a Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, describing it as a model for other coastal states.
“The proposed Nigerian Coast Guard, when established, will greatly enhance maritime safety and security, including search and rescue operations, environmental protection, and enforcement of maritime laws,” Ichaba said.
He also commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for hosting the inaugural summit of the International Coastal Border Forum in Uyo. Ichaba highlighted that the security of Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways could be significantly improved through the establishment of a dedicated Coast Guard in line with global best practices and in collaboration with existing security agencies.
The PC-NCG chief emphasized that a Nigerian Coast Guard would not only strengthen maritime security but also unlock economic opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and other marine sectors, while promoting environmental stewardship. He stressed that the objectives of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Forum align closely with the vision of the proposed Coast Guard, both aiming to enhance maritime security and encourage sustainable blue growth along Nigeria’s coastal regions.
According to Ichaba, the initiatives target major maritime challenges, including piracy, smuggling, and environmental degradation, which threaten coastal communities and the emerging blue economy. The International Coastal Border Platform brings together all coastal states to harmonize maritime laws, improve community surveillance, and facilitate intelligence sharing.
“The Nigerian Coast Guard, championed by Minister Oyetola, will complement existing maritime security agencies by providing a dedicated force to patrol and secure Nigeria’s coastline,” he noted.
At its maiden meeting in Uyo, the International Coastal Border Forum issued a communique calling for a percentage of revenue from maritime taxes and crude oil exports to be allocated to coastal security. The forum also recommended harmonizing Nigerian maritime laws, raising awareness on maritime safety, and leveraging the African Integrated Border Governance Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost cross-border trade between coastal communities and neighbouring nations.
Capt. Ichaba concluded that the PC-NCG is committed to establishing a robust Nigerian Coast Guard that will work hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to safeguard the nation’s waterways.
