Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has disclosed plans by his ministry to seek the support and buy-in of the National Assembly towards the establishment of coastal guard as part of efforts to enhance security along coastlines of the country.
The Minister made the disclosure when a delegation from the House of Representatives Committee on Marine Safety, Education and Administration led by its Chairman, Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Oyetola disclosed that the establishment of a coastal guard became necessary given its place in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He stated: “Very soon, we will be coming to you to seek your support on coastal guards, which has become of paramount importance. There’s a need for executive bill to be considered and passed on this subject,” the minister said.
The Minister in statement, yesterday, in Abuja, by the Director, Press & Public Relations of the ministry, Olujimi Oyetomi, requested his visitors to note that at a recent stakeholders’ engagement, participants and all constituted committees at the engagement identified and harped on the need for coastal guards.
Hence, the request for the buy-in of the National Assembly through initiation of a bill or proposition of a legislation and subsequent support of the assembly.
He pointed out that the establishment of coastal guards in the country would enforce maritime laws, generate revenue, create jobs, promote economic wellbeing, maritime security, aggregate peace, and will serve the purpose of international prestige.
On harnessing the abundant potential of the marine and blue economy, Oyetola said stakeholders and industry players had predicted that the ministry could generate trillions of dollars for the nation, stating: “Harnessing the numerous potential that abound in the sector can only be realised with the right enabling environment and infrastructure.
“The coastal guards assured are critical to realising these benchmarks within the blue economy.”
Supporting this initiative, the Minister added, “will translate to quick turnaround in terms of foreign direct investment, coastal tourism and other deliverables.
“Yes, we have the potential, but we need to ensure we have the enabling environment, the infrastructure, so that we can get the result that we want.”
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Ibrahim said the Committee decided to pay the Minister the visit, so as to identify with him, with an overall objective of establishing harmonious working relationship between the lawmakers, the Ministry and the Minister towards achieving the ideals of the Ministry.
