SEREC Provides Balanced View on Agitation for Creation of Coast Guard in Nigeria
Members of House of Reps
*Raises concerns about duplication of functions, cost implications
By Francis Ugwoke
A maritime based research agency, the Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC), has raised question as to the need for the creation of a Coast Guard in Nigeria.
In a position paper issued at the weekend, the agency said it has taken time to weigh the arguments from both proponents and opponents.
Head of Research of the agency, Dr. Eugene Nweke, while saying that the body has provided a balanced view on the issue, pointed out that the Nigerian maritime space is a complex domain with multiple agencies operating within it.
Nwke pointed out the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, Nigeria Police Marine Unit, Nigeria Customs Marine Unit and the Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency.
According to Nweke:
“Arguments in Favor of a Coast Guard*
– Enhanced Maritime Safety
– Environmental Protection
– Civil Maritime Law Enforcement
– Search and Rescue
– Specialized Maritime Law Enforcement
– Complementary Role to the Navy
*Arguments Against a Coast Guard*
– Duplication of Functions
– Underfunding of Nigerian Navy
– Potential Conflict
– Cost Implications
– Underfunding of Existing Agencies”
SEREC argued that while “there are valid arguments on both sides, Nigeria’s maritime space could benefit from a Coast Guard that specializes in coastal security and law enforcement. However, it’s crucial to address concerns about duplication of functions, cost implications, and ensure effective coordination with existing agencies”.
SEREC recommended as follows:
“a). Conduct a thorough analysis of the proposed Coast Guard Bill and stakeholder engagement
“b). Define the Coast Guard’s roles and responsibilities clearly to avoid overlap with other agencies
c). Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine the feasibility of establishing a Coast Guard
“d).Maritime industry experts should consider national interest above pecuniary or group interest
“Pending the outcome of the proposed analysis, SEREC recommends that the proposed bill for the creation of a Nigeria Coast Guard be stepped down for now”.
By Francis Ugwoke
A maritime based research agency, the Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC), has raised question as to the need for the creation of a Coast Guard in Nigeria.
In a position paper issued at the weekend, the agency said it has taken time to weigh the arguments from both proponents and opponents.
Head of Research of the agency, Dr. Eugene Nweke, while saying that the body has provided a balanced view on the issue, pointed out that the Nigerian maritime space is a complex domain with multiple agencies operating within it.
Nwke pointed out the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, Nigeria Police Marine Unit, Nigeria Customs Marine Unit and the Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency.
According to Nweke:
“Arguments in Favor of a Coast Guard*
– Enhanced Maritime Safety
– Environmental Protection
– Civil Maritime Law Enforcement
– Search and Rescue
– Specialized Maritime Law Enforcement
– Complementary Role to the Navy
*Arguments Against a Coast Guard*
– Duplication of Functions
– Underfunding of Nigerian Navy
– Potential Conflict
– Cost Implications
– Underfunding of Existing Agencies”
SEREC argued that while “there are valid arguments on both sides, Nigeria’s maritime space could benefit from a Coast Guard that specializes in coastal security and law enforcement. However, it’s crucial to address concerns about duplication of functions, cost implications, and ensure effective coordination with existing agencies”.
SEREC recommended as follows:
“a). Conduct a thorough analysis of the proposed Coast Guard Bill and stakeholder engagement
“b). Define the Coast Guard’s roles and responsibilities clearly to avoid overlap with other agencies
c). Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine the feasibility of establishing a Coast Guard
“d).Maritime industry experts should consider national interest above pecuniary or group interest
“Pending the outcome of the proposed analysis, SEREC recommends that the proposed bill for the creation of a Nigeria Coast Guard be stepped down for now”.
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