Committee renews call for Nigerian Coast Guard to boost maritime security

The Provisional Committee of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG) on Friday renewed its call for a dedicated Coast Guard to strengthen maritime security and economic protection. In a statement, PC-NCG Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Noah Ichaba, described the Coast Guard as the missing link in Nigeria’s maritime governance structure. He said a Coast Guard would unify maritime safety, security, enforcement and economic protection under a coordinated operational framework. According to Ichaba, the agency will support anti-smuggling operations, curb illegal fishing, enhance vessel inspections and improve compliance enforcement. He added that a centralised Coast Guard would boost rapid response to piracy, oil theft, sea robbery and kidnapping on Nigeria’s waterways. The PC-NCG boss noted that fragmented responsibilities among multiple agencies have created operational gaps and weakened maritime enforcement. He said Nigeria’s 850-kilometre coastline, major seaports and offshore energy assets require a dedicated institution to coordinate maritime operations. Ichaba stressed that over 80 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade moves through its maritime domain, making effective governance essential. Related News Democracy Day: FG pledges to strengthen democracy, national unity Democracy Day: FG pledges to strengthen democracy, national unity Norway urges Nigerian businesses to swap diesel generators for solar power He noted that coastal communities, fishermen, port operators and shipping firms continue to bear the costs of insecurity, delays and environmental threats. According to him, a Coast Guard will integrate search and rescue, pollution control, fisheries monitoring, port security and marine law enforcement. He maintained that establishing the agency would strengthen national sovereignty and improve efficiency across the blue economy sector. He reaffirmed the PC-NCG’s commitment to working with the National Assembly and key maritime stakeholders to develop a legal framework for the proposed agency. Ichaba said Nigeria cannot fully unlock opportunities in blue trade, investment and employment without a unified maritime security architecture. “The ocean is Nigeria’s next economic frontier, and the time to bridge the maritime governance gap is now,” he stated. (NAN) Tosin Oyediran Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin cove