PC-NCG Urges Tinubu to Establish Nigerian Coast Guard as Blue Economy PillarThe Provisional Committee for the Proposed Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG) has renewed its appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish a Nigerian Coast Guard.The committee said the proposed agency should serve as a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Policy Framework in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.In an open letter titled “Contracting Pipeline Surveillance to Creating a Nigerian Coast Guard for Maritime Security Institutional Development and Protection of the Blue Economy,” hi Officer, Captain Noah Ichaba, outlined the proposal.Ichaba urged the Federal Government to integrate existing maritime security expertise into a statutory Coast Guard to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.He argued that national maritime security should not rely solely on renewable surveillance contracts, regardless of their operational value.According to him, Nigeria requires a professional, accountable and permanent institution to safeguard its territorial waters, offshore infrastructure and marine resources.The committee commended Tinubu’s administration for prioritising maritime security, the Blue Economy and protection of critical national assets.It noted that discussions over the proposed renewal of the N2.1 trillion pipeline surveillance contract presented an opportunity for lasting institutional reforms.The committee said Nigeria should move beyond temporary security arrangements by establishing a statutory Coast Guard operating under clear legal mandates.It stressed that the proposal was not intended to replace existing security structures or diminish contributions by communities and private operators.Rather, it said the Coast Guard would transform years of operational experience into a permanent national institution.Ichaba noted that countries with significant maritime interests operate Coast Guards responsible for maritime law enforcement, coastal security, environmental protection and search-and-rescue operations.He said Nigeria, with over 850 kilometres of coastline, extensive inland waterways and offshore oil facilities, deserves similar institutional protection.According to the committee, a Nigerian Coast Guard would combat piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, smuggling, trafficking and marine pollution.It also said the agency would strengthen maritime law enforcement, protect offshore infrastructure and improve emergency response capabilities.The committee maintained that the Coast Guard would complement, rather than duplicate, the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian Navy.While the Navy focuses on national defence, the proposed Coast Guard would specialise in civil maritime safety, law enforcement and humanitarian operations, it said.PC-NCG described the proposed agency as a long-term national investment that would reduce dependence on costly surveillance contracts.It added that the institution would build professional capacity, preserve institutional memory and enhance operational continuity.The committee listed expected benefits to include stronger maritime security, improved investor confidence, enhanced environmental protection and accelerated Blue Economy development.It urged President Tinubu to seize what it described as a historic opportunity to establish a lasting maritime institution.According to the committee, creating a Nigerian Coast Guard would strengthen national security, protect strategic economic assets and leave a lasting institutional legacy.
