As protesters storm NASS, demand its withdrawal
Activists, including youth and women stormed the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday, to express their strong opposition to the Coastal Guards Establishment Bill.
The protesters, under the umbrella of ‘Concerned Citizens of Nigeria, who carried placards and banners with inscriptions such as: No to Coastal Guards Bill and: Dont Waste Our Resources, chanted slogans and sang songs, demanding that the National Assembly reject the Bill.
According to the spokesperson for the group, Kabir Adamu Matazu, the Coastal Guards Bill is unnecessary, saying will only duplicate the functions of existing security agencies, such as the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Marine Police, and the National Inland Waterways Authority, (NIWA).
Matazu argued that the bill is a waste of resources and will create confusion and conflict among the various security agencies. He also pointed out that the Nigerian Security Agencies are already highly rated and acclaimed internationally, and therefore, there is no need to establish a new agency.
The protesters called on the National Assembly to reject the bill and instead focus on strengthening and bolstering the functions and capacity of existing institutions. They also urged the government to invest scarce resources in addressing the fundamental problems facing the country, rather than embarking on unnecessary adventures.
However, the effort to establish a Nigerian Coast Guard Bill gained momentum at the 10th National Assembly for a public hearing on the Bill.
Speaking at the hearing, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized the critical role the proposed Coast Guard would play in securing Nigerias vast maritime domain. He described the initiative as a transformative step towards bolstering the nations maritime economy and safeguarding its waterways.
Oyetola outlined the strategic importance of the Coast Guard, noting its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda. He commended the National Assembly, particularly the Senate Committee chaired by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, for piloting the legislative process.
The proposal garnered support from key stakeholders, including civil society organizations, youth groups, and regional socio-cultural associations.
Also, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), led by its Director-General, expressed full endorsement of the bill. We have submitted a memorandum in total support of the creation of the Nigerian Coast Guard, the NIMASA boss declared.
The Nigerian Youth Council also threw its weight behind the bill, emphasizing its potential to create job opportunities for thousands of Nigerian youths. The 10th National Assembly must rise to the occasion and establish the Coast Guard. The time for this institution is now, the council stated. Similarly, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) hailed the initiative as a critical tool for combating oil theft and vandalism in the Niger Delta.
Oyetola drew comparisons to global practices, noting that while some nations like the United Kingdom rely on their naval forces for maritime security, others, such as 15 sub-Saharan African countries, have dedicated coast guards. The Nigerian Coast Guard will act as a vital complement to the Navy, fostering a safe and sustainable maritime environment while increasing our standing among maritime nations, the Minister affirmed.
The establishment of the Coast Guard is crucial for securing Nigerias future. This is not just about creating an agency; its about securing Nigerias future, he submitted.
