The Provisionary Committee for the Establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG) has declared that the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill, recently stepped down at its Third Reading in the Senate, represents a critical national investment that Nigeria can no longer afford to postpone.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, on behalf of the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer, Captain Noah Ichaba, the Committee maintained that the passage of the Bill is essential to securing Nigeria’s inland and coastal waterways, unlocking blue economy investments, and creating jobs for Nigerian youth.
While addressing concerns on funding and duplication the Committee noted that ongoing consultation and public debate, particularly around the financial implications of creating a new institution, should not generate fear.
“There are existing sources of local and international funding already being utilized by agencies currently performing coast guard duties. These can be properly structured to support the new institution,” the statement said.
The Committee added that while concerns deserve careful consideration, they must be weighed against a more fundamental question: “What is the cost to Nigeria of continuing without a dedicated Coast Guard?”
“A Coast Guard should not be viewed merely as another public institution requiring funding. It should be understood as a strategic national investment in maritime safety, security, economic resilience, environmental protection, and the preservation of human life,” Captain Ichaba stated.
He noted that every year without a Coast Guard comes with real consequences: maritime security threats, overstretched agencies, fragmented emergency response, illegal exploitation of marine resources, environmental degradation, and missed opportunities to grow the nation’s Blue Economy.
“These challenges impose costs on government, industry, coastal communities, investors, and ordinary citizens,” he said.
The PC-NCG emphasized that the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard is not a duplication of existing agencies.
“Every effective maritime nation is built on four essential pillars: maritime defence, maritime administration, port management, and maritime law enforcement. Nigeria has strengthened the first three. The Coast Guard is the missing fourth pillar,” the statement read.
“It is not an addition to Nigeria’s maritime system. It is the missing pillar needed to complete it.”
The proposed Coast Guard will provide specialized civilian capacity for search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, waterway safety, fisheries enforcement, and coordinated emergency response, while allowing the Nigerian Navy to remain focused on its constitutional defence responsibilities.
The Committee further noted that nations with significant maritime interests invest in specialized coast guards because prevention is less costly than responding to crises.
“Effective maritime governance protects lives, supports commerce, safeguards national resources, and strengthens investor confidence,” it added.
The PC-NCG respectfully urged the National Assembly, the Executive, maritime stakeholders, and the Nigerian public to view the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard through the lens of long-term national interest.
“A Coast Guard is not a cost to be feared. It is an investment in safer waters, stronger institutions, a more secure Blue Economy, and a more resilient Nigeria. The true cost lies not in establishing a Coast Guard, but in allowing avoidable institutional gaps to persist year after year.”
No Blue Economy Without Blue Security.
