Olisa Agbakoba: Coast Guard Proposal Essential for Maritime Security

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has strongly advocated for the establishment of a dedicated Coast Guard to protect Nigeria’s vast maritime borders.

During an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, Agbakoba remarked that “the issue of a Coast Guard is an extremely old one in Nigeria,” adding that he has long championed the need for such an entity.

He explained, “We need that sort of protection,” pointing out that maritime security is crucial for any coastal nation. The former NBA president stressed that a Coast Guard is not just an optional measure, but a vital institutional requirement for the country’s maritime sector.

According to Agbakoba, the Coast Guard must be a “free-standing organisation,” distinct from the Nigerian Navy, which he noted is primarily a fighting force.

“The bulk of the functions of the Coast Guard is essentially civil law enforcement,” he stated. “The weight of the work the Coast Guard will do will be to simply implement maritime regulations, which the army or Navy are not suited for.”

This distinction between the Coast Guard and the Navy was echoed in Agbakoba’s remarks about the Navy’s limited suitability for the proposed Coast Guard functions, which he believes require a more specialised approach.

“That does not exclude the participation of the Navy,” he acknowledged, but reiterated that a dedicated Coast Guard, aligned with international maritime regulations, is necessary for effective security.

Recall that Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba (Retired), former Chief of the Naval Staff, previously voiced concerns over the Coast Guard bill, warning that the creation of a Coast Guard could lead to confusion and conflict due to the duplication of the Navy’s responsibilities. Ezeoba suggested that resources should instead focus on strengthening the Navy’s existing capabilities to improve maritime security coordination.

Despite these concerns, Agbakoba remains a staunch supporter of the Coast Guard bill, believing it is essential for Nigeria’s maritime safety.

Frances Ibiefo

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