Abuja, Nigeria — Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have strongly opposed the proposed bill to establish a Nigerian Marine Corps, arguing that it would create unnecessary duplication of roles and lead to inefficiency in the country’s maritime security framework.
The bill, which seeks to create a new federal agency for maritime law enforcement, was the focus of a public hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on Navy in Abuja on Monday. The proposal has raised concerns about the overlap with the responsibilities of existing agencies, including the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Duplication of Functions, Say Lawmakers
Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue), led the opposition to the bill, stating that the creation of a Nigerian Marine Corps would be redundant. Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue, explained that defence and maritime security responsibilities were already being efficiently managed by the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA.
“The establishment of a Nigerian Marine Corps is both redundant and counterproductive, given the existing roles and mandates of the Nigerian Navy and other maritime agencies,” Agbese said. “We have thoroughly examined this bill and firmly assert that it duplicates functions that are already being carried out effectively by the Nigerian Navy.”
Agbese, speaking on behalf of 66 members of the House, called for the immediate withdrawal of the bill, emphasizing the need for a more streamlined and efficient approach to maritime governance. He stressed the importance of prioritizing fiscal responsibility and the effective use of resources, urging that the bill be rejected in favor of strengthening the existing maritime security structures.
Concerns from the Nigerian Police and Maritime Bodies
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Police, Supol. Nandom Vongjen, Staff Officer Marine Section, also voiced concerns over the bill. Vongjen described the proposal as “ill-advised,” warning that it would lead to the proliferation of maritime security outfits, creating a parallel unit within Nigeria’s armed forces.
“The Nigerian Marine Corps, while well-intentioned, has the potential to create more problems than it solves,” Vongjen said. “A more prudent approach would be to strengthen the existing agencies and optimize their capabilities to enhance maritime security, without incurring unnecessary costs or creating bureaucratic inefficiencies.”
Other stakeholders opposing the bill include the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), and the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency. Security analysts and various civil society organizations, such as the Nigerian Unemployed Youths Association and the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations on Economic Watch, also called for the bill to be rejected. They argued that the proposal was unnecessary and would complicate Nigeria’s existing maritime security framework.
Committee Promises Thorough Review
The Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Rep. Yusuf Gadgi (APC-Plateau), responded to the concerns by assuring stakeholders that due diligence would be carried out in reviewing the bill. He emphasized that the committee is an impartial body committed to ensuring the best outcome for the nation’s maritime security.
“The committee will carefully examine all aspects of the proposed bill and ensure that its final decision reflects the best interests of the country,” Gadgi said. “A report will be submitted to the House for final resolution following our review.”
As the debate over the establishment of a Nigerian Marine Corps continues, the opposition from key maritime stakeholders underscores the importance of streamlining and strengthening existing institutions to address the country’s maritime security challenges effectively.