The Provisionary Committee of the Nigerian Coast Guard has commended the Nigerian Senate for its bold and legislative support towards establishing the Nigerian Coast Guard, saying it would be a patriotic honour divinely destined for the greatness of Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by Captain Noah Ichaba and made available to CAPITAL POST on Sunday in Abuja, stating that the agency would allow citizens who are fated for superior altitudes to manifest the best for their country, thereby restoring Nigeria’s international dignity, national interest, value and prestige.
The statement was at the backdrop of a public hearing on a bill to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard by the Senate Committee on Marine and Blue Economy chaired by Senator Eshilokun Wasiu last week in Abuja.
CAPITAL POST recalled that the public hearing was well attended by lawmakers in both Chambers of the National Assembly, experts in marine and blue economy, academicians, youth groups and non-governmental organisations, where they agreed with the proposal to establish the agency, given its potential to secure the nation’s territorial waters and curb oil theft in Nigeria.
Highlighting its numerous advantages, Captain Ichaba in a statement said: “This is a God-given opportunity with enabling enthusiasm and strength to beam gracious light on this fitting, foremost and timely establishment of Coast Guard, in the best interest of Nigeria, the Maritime Domain, the Maritime International Organizations.
“Coast Guard Associations, Continent of Africa, and Stakeholders; Coast Guard, in some sensitive situations, is most appropriate Agency to represent Nigeria’s interest and authority in international situations where the presence of personnel of the Department of Defense might appear threatening or politically unacceptable, because of Coast Guard’s unique skills and qualification including its humanitarian and less threatening nature, which makes it a valuable national asset, to represent where the Defense Personnel is persona non-grata.
The Provisionary Committee of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard, (PC-NCG) which is the proponent of the Bill, commended the Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Eshilokun Wasiu, the entire Senate, the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Inland Waterway Authority, Nigerian Maritime Academy, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Stakeholders in the Maritime Sector, Industry Leaders, notable Maritime Experts and patriotic Nigerians who supported the creation of Coast Guard during public hearing on its establishment Bill.
“PC-NCG equally thank those who submitted memoranda and the general public who welcomed the move. Coast Guard is the flesh, blood and spirit of the maritime commercial businesses and activities security, that would suitably ensure optimal performance by all within the nation’s maritime commercial axis.
“Coast Guard is the real eye, ear, life and energy of the maritime market place and its transactions. Coast Guard is the pillar and engine of the maritime community that its duty is neither a duplication nor a conflict of interest, that is not consumer of national resources but a pivotal contributor to the tripod of the nation.
“Coast Guard is a child of necessity, a national asset, the cash-cow of the nation, Nigeria’s divine heritage, a huge revenue generator and a fitting occupational equalizer, among others. Nigeria stand to enjoy the highest, best and merited prestige in that her participation in any international meeting involving Coast Guard would no longer be by proxy or category ‘B’ attendee, but, would have a full-fledged presence at such forum.
“This comes with several advantages and multiplier effects for Nigeria, as establishment of Coast Guard would affect other nations and partners positively, which would strengthen better relationships between Nigeria and other nations.
“Major Global Organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Association for Ports and Harbours and various African Trade Corridors, would step up stronger maritime alliance with Nigeria; Coast Guard been fully operational in Nigeria would be the beginning of the true development of the 54 sovereign African countries – on the Continent – and transactions would witness accelerated increase with optimal ease, and ultimately, a boom in the economies of these countries.
“Coast Guard is an instrument of/for national policy by its representational duty. It provides representatives and advisers to Nigeria delegation dealing on maritime affairs. It provides technical advice and support for negotiation of Agreements Coast Guard is to maintain active presence in coastguard international meetings.
“It provides leadership to, international bodies, such as IMO and International Lifeboat Federation (ILF) and works with many individual nations in varied ways. Coast Guard support national policy on bilateral or multilateral Agreement by providing training and assistance to foreign civil authorities, coastguards or navies.
“The PC-NCG hereby assures relevant authorities and the general public that Coast Guard would not perform below their expectation, rather, it would surpass such expectation by its efficient operation and by effectively securing the maritime domain to bring about several advantages resulting from prudent operation and greatest service delivery.
“Coast Guard would take millions of unemployed Nigerians from the labour market, by gainfully engaging and deploying them into direct and indirect jobs, which in turn, would boost national, organizational and individual’s economy. This, in turn, would improve Nigeria’s international image and prestige among other maritime nations of the world.
“The PC-NCG wishes to reaffirm that Coast Guard would establish strong inter- agency relationship and cooperation, and would uphold what is good for Nigeria’s national interest, national value and sustained prosperity. PC-NCG restates that Coast Guard is not a region Body but a national Organization to which we are dedicated to facilitating its legal existence”, it concluded.
