In a recent statement, the Director-General and Commandant of the Merchant Navy Corps, Allen Benson Edema, emphasized the need for the 10th National Assembly, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, to pass the Nigerian Merchant Navy Coast Guard Security and Safety Corps establishment bill as a crucial step in curbing crude oil theft in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, originally introduced during the 8th Senate, aims to enhance maritime security and generate substantial revenue for the Federal Government.
Speaking to reporters yesterday in Abuja, Edema expressed concern that despite its introduction in previous assemblies, the bill has faced repeated rejections. He highlighted the potential of the Merchant Navy Corps to generate up to $1 billion in revenue for the government through Seafarers Tax.
To facilitate its implementation, the corps plans to acquire 10 merchant ships and 45 fishing trawlers from the Philippines, as well as other necessary equipment from Holland.
The bill calls for the establishment of the Coast Guard Corps, led by a Director General who would also serve as the Commandant and Chief Executive Officer.
The appointment of the Director General would require confirmation by the Senate, and the board of the corps would comprise representatives from various federal ministries, including Transportation, Environment, Finance, Health, and Defence, along with institutions such as the Nautical College of Nigeria, the Nigeria Ports Authority, the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, and oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria.
Among its provisions, the bill empowers the Coast Guard Corps to safeguard Nigerian territorial waters against pollution during shipbuilding, construction of maritime facilities, and dumping of toxic waste or other hazardous substances that pose risks to human and marine life.
The corps would also oversee the security and regulation of government and commercial transport boats, petroleum product activities, merchant vessels, oil rigs, platforms, depots, jetties, and other maritime facilities.
Additionally, the bill grants the Coast Guard Corps the authority to arrest individuals or ships suspected of committing offenses within Nigerian territorial waters.
The corps would assist the Nigerian Customs Service in combating illegal contraband goods, while ensuring the safety of vessels, passengers, and cargo.
Edema mentioned that the 9th Senate recently read the bill for the second time and referred it to relevant committees for further legislative action following a letter from the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
The letter stressed the importance of passing the Nigerian Merchant Navy Coast Guard Security and Safety Corps (Establishment) Bill into law, citing the need for effective enforcement of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Senator Kabiru Gaya, APC, Kano South, sponsored the bill once again in the 9th Senate. During the debate, Gaya underscored the corps’ responsibility to ensure the security and safety of Nigeria’s coastline waters and merchant navy, while addressing issues such as pollution prevention, emergency response, law enforcement, and illegal fishing activities.
Gaya also emphasized the potential for job creation and the significant contribution the corps could make to the Nigerian economy, projecting a potential revenue of up to $1 billion through Seafarers Tax.
As the Nigerian government aims to address maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, the passage of this bill would alleviate the burden on the Nigerian Navy and establish a focused approach to maritime security challenges.
Moreover, it would serve as a vital means of employment for the country’s youth population, contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of the Nigerian economy.
