By Ajibola Adedoye
Establishment of Marine Coast Guard will undoubtedly go a long way in monitoring and protecting all activities on the Nigerian waters thereby leading to improvement of security of lives and vessels on the sea which will on the long run guarantee massive income into the coffers on the Federal Government.
Engr. Matthew Adedapo Alalade, the Immediate Past National President, Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers, Water Transport Senior Staff Association made this submission in an exclusive interview with Daily Insight Nigeria on the state of insecurity in the maritime sector.
Engr. Alalade who is also a Sailor and Maritime Surveyor noted that “it is because of the absence of Marine Coast Guard that has been responsible for increasing rate of insecurity on our waters which have continually preventing most vessels from coming into Nigeria and instead settles in neighboring countries where their safety is guaranteed and this is having adverse effect on our economy simply because those vessels usually pays for berthing in those countries.
“These vessels stays in the neighboring countries until they are called upon to come and discharge or load and before they gets here, it will be after between 24 to 48 hours before they get here. Assuming they stay on our waters won’t they pay for staying?
“In the absence of Marine Coast Guard, it is the Nigerian Navy that is doing the job but you will agree with me that they have their own constitutional role of safeguarding the waters in case of any external interference but the role of Marine Coast Guard is different.
“Marine Coast Guard specifically deals with civilians like when merchant ships are coming into the country, they will be able to determine on what basis a particular ship is coming.
“Creating the Marine Coast Guard will enable them do their job effectively without any interference from foreign vessels. I can bet you, no foreign vessel will stand here on our waters unless it is coming strictly to transact business.
“I want to commend the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola for engaging the legislators on the issue of Coast Guard in the maritime sector and I hope the Ministry intensify it’s effort in ensuring it come into fruition” he stressed.
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