Oshiomhole Opposes Creation of Nigerian Coast Guard, Cites Duplication of Duties

In an address during a Senate plenary, Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing the Edo North senatorial district, voiced strong opposition to the proposed establishment of a Nigerian Coast Guard.

He argued that the Nigerian Navy is already fulfilling the role of safeguarding the nation’s maritime areas, rendering the creation of a separate coast guard unnecessary.

Oshiomhole warned against the proliferation of institutions that, instead of complementing each other, would lead to competition and inefficiency. Citing examples like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), he contended that these organizations were established despite the existence of agencies that were already performing similar functions, often with better results.

I want to be on record, I do not think at this point, in this manner, we need a coast guard, Oshiomhole stated.

If this need really exists, it should benefit from intelligence provided by the executive, and they will determine if there is a gap to be filled.

He further highlighted the redundancy that may arise from creating more agencies, pointing out the inefficiencies seen after the creation of the FRSC, which took over traffic management from the Nigerian Police, and the NSCDC, which was tasked with protecting pipelines and government properties.

We should rather strengthen the Navy, refocus them, and ensure they do their job better, Oshiomhole concluded.

The proposal for a Nigerian Coast Guard is seen by some lawmakers as a potential solution to maritime security challenges.

Earlier, Nigerian Merchant Navy Coast Guard Security and Safety Corps warned the National Assembly against the establishment to any other establishment that will be a duplicate of the corps.

It has come to our attention that certain bills with the same aim and purpose as ours, bearing the name “Coast Guard,” have been introduced for consideration in both houses. We strongly believe that this duplication of bills can lead to confusion and unnecessary redundancy in the legislative process, the letter reads.

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