CSOs Advise Tinubu, NASS to Reject Nigerian Coast Guard Bill.
The Coalition in Support of National Security Advancement (CSNSA) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to reject the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard Bill. According to the coalition, the establishment of a Coast Guard would undermine national security and exacerbate Nigeria’s financial challenges.
Background of the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill.
The bill, titled “Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard,” has already passed its second reading in the Senate and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Marine Transport for further deliberation. It aims to establish an independent Nigerian Coast Guard responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s vast maritime zones.
However, the coalition, comprising various civil society organizations (CSOs) like the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET), the Nigerian Unemployed Youth Association, and the Centre for Human Rights and Advocacy in Africa Network (CHRAAN), expressed grave concerns over the bill during a press conference led by Okwa Dan (Convener) and Ilal Abdulahi (Coalition Secretary).
Concerns Raised by CSOs
The CSOs argue that establishing a new Coast Guard service would duplicate existing functions handled by the Nigerian Navy, thereby creating inefficiencies. The coalition stated:
“The creation of a new Coast Guard could duplicate existing responsibilities, jeopardize national security, and place a significant financial burden on the country.”
The coalition highlighted that setting up a Coast Guard would require significant financial resources. The CSOs cited the U.S. Coast Guard’s annual expenditure of over $13 billion as an example, arguing that such costs would be unsustainable for Nigeria given its current economic constraints.
Recommendations from the CSOs
Instead of implementing the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill, the coalition proposed the following:
- Strengthening the Nigerian Navy: The CSOs recommended boosting the capacity of the Navy, which has already proven capable of handling diverse maritime security tasks such as anti-piracy, environmental protection, and anti-smuggling operations.
- Prioritizing Civilian Control for Non-Military Maritime Functions: The group suggested setting up a civilian-run organization for non-military duties like environmental protection, customs enforcement, and search-and-rescue missions. This would avoid duplication of Navy operations and align with international best practices.
- Avoiding Constitutional Conflicts: The coalition emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution recognizes only three branches of the armed forces: the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Establishing a Coast Guard as a military service without constitutional amendments could lead to significant legal challenges and undermine the rule of law.
Legal and Financial Implications
The CSOs warned that establishing a new Coast Guard service could lead to constitutional ambiguities, especially since the proposed entity would fall under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. They noted:
“Creating a new military branch without proper constitutional amendments could result in serious legal disputes and erode the rule of law in Nigeria.”
Additionally, the coalition pointed out that integrating personnel from various backgrounds without adequate vetting could compromise national security, making it easier for individuals with malicious intent to infiltrate the organization. The group cited potential risks such as increased piracy, oil bunkering, and smuggling.
Public Hearing and Legislative Process
The Coast Guard Bill is set for a public hearing at the National Assembly, a crucial step in the legislative process. The CSOs have urged lawmakers to consider the nation’s current financial limitations and security needs before making a final decision.
If the bill passes all legislative hurdles, it will be forwarded to President Tinubu for approval. However, should the President decline to sign it, the bill will not become law.
The coalition’s stance reflects concerns about the financial and legal implications of establishing a new Coast Guard in Nigeria. With limited resources and existing security challenges, the CSOs argue that enhancing the Navy’s capabilities would be a more sustainable and effective approach to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime zones.
Stay tuned for further updates on the legislative process surrounding the Coast Guard Bill.
