FASHINA SHAKIRU
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Distinguished Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun, has proposed the establishment of a maritime task force to enhance Nigeria’s security with global best practices.
Eshilokun made this known during a public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard held at the multipurpose hall, National Assembly Library and Research Centre, Abuja.
According to him, “The Coast Guard remains prepared as a specialised service in support of the Nigerian Navy during wartime”.
During his presentation, he posited “The purpose of the bill is to establish a branch of the Nigerian military tasked with securing Nigeria’s maritime zones and supporting law enforcement and environmental protection while enhancing Nigeria’s compliance with international maritime obligations”.
The Senator representing the Lagos Central Senatorial District described the reason for holding the hearing thus: “… to seek to gather diverse perspectives to enhance the bill’s provisions, in alignment with the 10th Senate’s commitment to inclusive lawmaking”.
Senator Eshilokun’s committee highlighted the proposal for the Coast Guard as follows: provide assistance within maritime, preserve Nigerian lives and property, ensure safety in maritime zones, collaborate with NIWA, boost tourism, assist NIMASA in anti-smuggling operations, engage in maritime surveillance, and protect the maritime environment.
“I will ensure the passage of bills to support smooth operations of government agencies and reposition maritime operations in Nigeria, attracting interest from stakeholders like NIMASA, NPA, NSC, and NIWA” Eshilokun promised.
Recall the Senate passed the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill for a second reading during plenary last month. The bill aims to establish a dedicated force to safeguard the nation’s maritime zones, which it was sponsored by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, who emphasised its importance in enhancing national maritime security.
