Proposed Coast Guard Bill could undermine Nigeria’s maritime security-Ezeoba

Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba (rtd), has raised alarm over the proposed Coast Guard Bill, cautioning that it could duplicate the roles of the Nigerian Navy and create confusion, potential conflicts, and a weakened maritime security framework.

In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Ezeoba expressed strong reservations about the bill, describing it as fundamentally flawed. He argued that its policies fail to address Nigeria’s specific maritime challenges, potentially introducing more problems than solutions.

“I doubt if a proper gap analysis was done,” Ezeoba noted, explaining that the Coast Guard’s outlined responsibilities closely mirror those of the Nigerian Navy, rendering its creation redundant. Citing specific sections of the bill, he said, “Part 1, Articles 2(a-i) clearly enunciate responsibilities that duplicate the Nigerian Navy’s functions.”

Ezeoba further warned that overlapping duties could lead to interagency conflicts, erode trust, and strain the armed forces’ already limited resources. “What it implies is complete anarchy in the maritime space,” he stated, suggesting that rather than solving existing issues, the bill could exacerbate them. “Every entity will be competing to secure and assert relevance,” he added, underscoring the potential for operational discord.

The retired Admiral advocated for channeling resources toward strengthening the Nigerian Navy’s existing capabilities for a more unified and effective approach to maritime security.

Supporting these concerns, Mfon Usoro, the pioneer Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), criticized the bill’s process and lack of clarity. “How is a branch of the armed forces established in our country?” she questioned, emphasizing the need for a well-coordinated policy-making process. Usoro argued that the bill highlights an absence of cohesion in policy formulation.

The maritime expert also pointed to technical ambiguities in the bill, particularly concerning command structures. “How will the Marshall, the head of the Coast Guard, who is supposed to be a serving naval officer, report to a civilian ministry?” she asked, adding, “There are numerous technical issues, especially regarding the command and control relationship with the Nigerian Navy.”

The concerns raised by Ezeoba and Usoro spotlight critical issues around duplication and potential conflicts, urging a reconsideration of the bill to enhance Nigeria’s maritime security approach.