The Provisionary Committee for the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG) has appealed to governors of Nigeria’s coastal states to throw their weight behind the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill, currently before the 10th National Assembly.
The committee’s Chief Executive and Accounting Officer, Capt. Noah Ichaba, made the call in a statement on Tuesday while congratulating Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on his appointment as the pioneer chairman of the International Coastal Border Platform.
Ichaba commended Bayelsa for being the first state to establish a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, noting that the creation of a fully functional Nigerian Coast Guard would significantly enhance maritime safety, environmental protection, and enforcement of maritime laws. He stressed that such an agency would also strengthen search and rescue operations, boost marine tourism, and protect the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians dependent on the country’s coastal and inland waterways.
Nigeria has a coastline stretching 853 kilometres along the Gulf of Guinea and over 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways. According to Ichaba, safeguarding this vast maritime territory requires a dedicated and specialised force in line with global best practices, working in synergy with sister security agencies such as the Nigerian Navy.
He also praised Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for hosting the inaugural summit of the International Coastal Border Forum in Uyo, describing the platform as a “timely initiative” that aligns with the vision of the proposed Coast Guard.
The PC-NCG chief highlighted that a Nigerian Coast Guard would help unlock economic opportunities in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and marine logistics. He explained that the blue economy—which encompasses fisheries, shipping, energy, and ocean-related services—could become a major driver of Nigeria’s GDP if secured and sustainably managed.
“The objectives of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Forum and the proposed Coast Guard share the same goal: tackling maritime security threats like piracy, smuggling, and environmental degradation while promoting sustainable blue growth,” Ichaba stated.
At its maiden meeting, the International Coastal Border Forum recommended that a percentage of revenue from maritime taxes and crude oil exports be allocated to coastal security funding. It also called for harmonisation of maritime laws, including the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act, to improve enforcement efficiency.
The forum further urged increased public awareness on maritime safety and compliance with both national and international maritime regulations. Additionally, it advised Nigeria to leverage the African Integrated Border Governance Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance cross-border trade between coastal states and neighbouring countries.
Stakeholders in the maritime sector have repeatedly stressed the importance of passing the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill without delay. They argue that the agency would provide a dedicated security structure for Nigeria’s waters, reduce reliance on overstretched naval resources, and foster better inter-agency collaboration.
Ichaba assured that the PC-NCG is working towards establishing a modern, well-equipped Coast Guard capable of addressing emerging threats, from illegal fishing and oil theft to marine pollution and human trafficking.
If enacted, the Coast Guard would not only safeguard national maritime interests but also help Nigeria meet international obligations on ocean governance and environmental protection.