Security
Nigeria making landmark achievement as Coast Guard bill scales first reading in Senate – Provisionary Committee
The introduction of Nigerian Coast Guard Bill which was introduced, laid and scaled through first reading in the Senate within the week has triggered excitement among the proponents, who are of the firm belief that it is going to be another landmark achievement for the nation after its legislative processes.
In a statement issued by Captain Noah Ichaba and made available to CAPITAL POST in Abuja on Friday, he conveyed the appreciation of the Provisionary Committee of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard, (PC-NCG), to the distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their willingness to legislate the Nigerian Coast Guard bill into law.
Ichaba said, the bill which was finally laid on the floor of the Senate was a demonstration of patriotism and a commitment to the wellbeing of the nation which Nigeria stands to gain more from the maritime activities like any other nation across the world that have a well structured Coast Guards.
He said: “The Provisionary Committee dutifully appreciate the Distinguished Senate President, the Principal Officers, the Chairmen of Senate Committees, the Chief sponsor/Co-sponsors of Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill SB. 575 of 2024 and all workers as well as Legislatives Aides who made the 1st Reading of the Bill a smooth sailing historic action.
PC-NCG’s appreciation stems from a number of reasons of: the fruition of the unbiased sacrifice of PC-NCG for the best interest of the country; the preparedness of the Parliament to actively accelerate necessary legislative action of officially enacting Nigerian Coast Guard into legal existence.
“This is an awakened era of bringing a bothersome situation and an eclipsing shadow to a permanent end.
“The realization that Nigeria needs a recognized occupational Coast Guard Agency that would be responsible for the safety and security of ships, cargoes, crews, seafarers, passengers, ports, port facilities, port workers, port users and maritime law enforcement, that would ensure measures to prevent and obstruct security-related incidents that may cause damage to Nigeria’s Maritime Business Activities.
“The revenue generation, protection of maritime environment and prevention of criminalities, which is the central concerns of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and in building upon SOLAS convention chapter XI-2 by developing International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
“Coast Guard is the appropriate Government Agency referred to as Maritime Guardians or Watch keeping, without, which, Nigeria’s Maritime Industry cannot function optimally successful, advantageously and operationally as it would remain the true flesh, blood, spirit and soul of Nigeria’s Maritime Trade and Commerce;
“The historic singularization of the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill 2024 by NILDS; the usefulness and nature of the incoming Agency as a Maritime Law Enforcement among other core duties, functions and services, to the nation cannot be overemphasized, as no other Agency is best recognized by the occupational name of Coast Guard that would be well suited to put into effect the provisions of ISPS Code, as prescribed safety and security duty of Securing the commercial and operational activities of the maritime business.
“It is the Agency to be called upon for responsibility and accountability, and that qualifies for Maritime Law Enforcement. The fact that the proposed Agency is not coming as a gluttonous consumer but a patriotic contributor to the nation’s economy and her maritime security architecture and it is not an Agency that would be on a conflict for control of duty with any other Government Establishment but of fulfilling the destiny of the largest economy in Africa and of steadily increasing her national fortunes and interests;
The statement further spotlighted on the benefits of having existence of the Nigerian Coast Guard as saying: “The Agency’s targeted Direct Workforce would comprise diverse specialties from Maritime Security Experts, Ex-Boys, Ex-Servicemen, Graduates of Maritime Academies, Seafarers, Transferees, Secondees, Exchanges, Ratings, Skilled Creek men and other qualified, available and willing Nigerians;
“There is over 900 identified real worksites where the prospective workforces of Nigerian Coast Guard would be employed and deployed to. This is great plus for Government efforts towards creating millions of direct and indirect jobs;
“As a revenue generating Agency, capable of generating Billions of Dollars yearly, it is not going to be a burden on Government finances, but a contributor to the financial healthiness of Nigeria.
“As PC-NCG appreciates Senate’s patriotic action, it is important to inform the public that there is only one Nigeria, one National Assembly, one Coast Guard, one Establishment Bill and one Facilitation Team for the actualization of taking the nation to her excelling height and destiny.
“Given that therefore, any individual found impersonating PC-NCG with anything relating to the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard, as means of identification, without the endorsement of the CE and AO of the PC-NCG or which cannot be confirmed from our records, such a person be made to answer questions that diligent law enforcement Agents may put to them.
“PC-NCG remain eternally grateful to the Distinguished Senators, for this Legislative move, Parliamentary gesture and Representational courtesy, aimed at establishing the Nigerian Coast Guard. I hereby perform this refreshing duty of transmitting PC-NCG appreciation to the Senate, the Chief Sponsor/Co-sponsors and all stakeholders, our sincere gratitude.
“This represent our noble, endearing, thoughtful and remarkable credit and honour to the 10 th Assembly, because, the establishment of Nigerian Coast Guard; would, indeed, do the nation, maritime industry, stakeholders and African Continent endless good”, Ichaba concluded.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abubakar Zubairu has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to fostering community-driven security solutions.
He stated this while addressing a cross-section of Stakeholders at the Okene engagement programme and further re-echoing the call for community participation in security efforts, noting that manpower limitations and resource constraints necessitate an inclusive Policing approach.
He commended the Commissioner for his proactive leadership and stressed that “security is everybody’s business, and together, we can ensure stability and peace.”
In his remarks, CP Dantawaye reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to fostering the implementation of Community Policing project as a key approach for effective Policing.
He emphasised the importance of synergy between Law enforcement Agencies, Traditional Institutions, Local Communities, as well as other Security stakeholders in combating crime, particularly kidnapping and other security threats.
He further commended the unwavering dedication among various security formations, including the NSCDC, Local Vigilante, Hunters, as well as NYSC members.
He urged the community members to play an active role in intelligence gathering, stating that, Policing cannot be done by the men on uniform alone. We need every citizen to be our eyes and ears to ensure a safe society.
He cautioned the officers on discipline, professionalism as well as respect for Human rights. He disclosed that Police Officers are undergoing continuous training to improve the operational capacity and to also equip them with the needed skills for investigation.
The event witnessed the presence of respected traditional rulers, local government representatives, transport unions, and various ethnic and community groups, all of whom pledged their commitment to strengthening security collaboration.
As part of ongoing efforts to curb crime, the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State will intensify intelligence-based operations, enhance police-community relations, and continue engaging stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
Lt. Cynthia Akor, a Navy officer attached to Defence Headquarters in Abuja and two others have been abducted with their abductors demanding for N100 million ransome for their release.
The officer and others were reportedly kidnapped from their residences in the Mpape area of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday night and by Saturday their abductors called their families and demanded for N100 million ransom for the victims to be freed.
Our correspondent learnt on Saturday that their abductors have gotten in touch over ransom.
A source said: “Anong the three people that were kidnapped on Friday night in the Mpape area is a DHQ official, Akor.
“The kidnappers have already reached out to their families and are demanding N100m ransom,” the source said.
Efforts to reach the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, were unsuccessful, as they had yet to respond to messages as of the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, said she would confirm the incident and provide further details.
“I will confirm and get back to you shortly,” she simply stated.
She has not reverted as of the time of filing this report.
The Security Adviser to Kogi State governor, Commodore Jerry Omodara (retd) has said security operatives are on the trail of abductors of 18 passengers on a bus belonging to the ABC Transport.
The passengers were kidnapped on Sunday.
Mr Omodara disclosed this on Thursday in Lokoja.
The bus, reportedly heading to Abuja on Sunday, March 16, from the South-East was reportedly hijacked by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at Oloma in the Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi, a border town between the state and Enugu State.
Reliable sources said that all the bus passengers including the driver were abducted by the gunmen.
However, Mr Omodara, who confirmed the incident, said that a combined team of security operatives had launched a manhunt for the abductors.
He said the operatives in Kogi State, including the military, police, SSS, NSCDC and vigilante groups were in synergy to rescue the victims.
He stated, “Just on Wednesday, all the security heads met twice to see that we get the kidnappers and rescue the victims.’’
According to him, this kind of synergy and cooperation from residents provide security agents useful information that helps them to succeed.
He said that Kogi State had recorded a drastic drop in kidnapping incidents and crimes due to synergy and cooperation from residents.
The state security adviser said though they might not be able to completely eradicate crime in the state, they were making efforts to tackle any that reared its ugly head.
He assured families of the abducted passengers that they would be released unhurt.
He added, “We want Kogi to be a haven for all residents and passers-by alike.”
(NAN)
-
News6 days agoBill to establish National Cashew Production and Research Institute in Kogi passes first reading in Senate
-
Politics1 week agoCPDPL accuses Adeyanju of orchestrating smear campaign against FCT Minister Wike
-
News6 days agoReport of attack on Wike’s Port Harcourt residence false, misleading – Police
-
News6 days agoShehu Sani debunks Governor Uba Sani’s alleged diversion of LG funds, challenges El-Rufai to publicly tender evidence
-
News5 days agoPlateau gov’t expresses concern over violence in Shendam LGA, calls for calm
-
Sports7 days agoMerino gives Arsenal win over Chelsea
-
Interview6 days agoSenators Natasha-Akpabio saga should have been resolved privately – Rev. Mrs Emeribe
-
Politics3 days agoOpposition leaders announce coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027