By Aaron Ossai and Disun Amosun
Nigeria needs to have a Marine Corps due to its vast maritime resources and the increasing threats to maritime security, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi has said.
He explained that establishing the Nigerian Marine Corps is a strategic initiative “to enhance the country’s maritime prowess, protect our waters, and foster a secure environment for trade and economic growth.”
Speaking at a public hearing by the Committee on the Nigerian Marine Corps Bill yesterday, Hon. Gagdi said the bill represents a proactive step towards safeguarding our national interests and ensuring the safety of the coastal and marine environments.
He stressed the need for collaboration and dialogue in shaping the future of the nation’s maritime safety and security.
“Establishing the Nigerian Marine Corps is not merely a legislative effort but a strategic initiative to enhance our maritime prowess, protect our waters, and foster a secure environment for trade and economic growth.
“Given Nigeria’s vast maritime resources and the increasing threats to maritime security, this bill represents a proactive step towards safeguarding our national interests and ensuring the safety of our coastal and marine environments,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas for his unwavering support for this critical initiative.
“Your leadership continues to inspire us as we work towards creating a safer future for our maritime domain.
“Today, we look forward to valuable insights from all stakeholders present, as your contributions will play a significant role in refining and strengthening this bill.
“Together, let us work towards ensuring that the Nigerian Marine Corps is equipped to fulfill its mandate effectively, serving the security needs of our country while fostering collaboration among all agencies involved in maritime activities,” he added.
In their separate submissions, the Chief of Training & Operations of Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira; Coordinator, NIMASA, Abuja Zonal Office, Mrs. Moji Jimoh and Director, Legal Services, Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Bala Saleh; underscored the need to strengthen the already existing agencies, rather than creating new ones which could pose more security threats to the nation.
All the Members of the Civil Society Organisations who attended the public hearing, spoke against the Bill, urging the House to kill the Bill during the third reading, describing it as unnecessary.
Those who spoke on behalf of the CSOs include, Abdullahi Bilal, Spokesman for Security Analysts & Research Forum in Africa; Okwa Daniel, Executive Director, Centre for Social Justice, Equity & Transparency; Daniel Momoh Prince, National President, Nigerian Unemployed Youth Association; Igwe Ude-Umanta, Convener, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations on Economic Watch; Opialu Fabian, Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights & Advocacy in Africa Network; amongst others.
Adjourning the hearing, Gadgi assured Nigerians that due diligence would be done in carrying out legislative actions on the Bill.
He said the Committee was an impartial body and would not take sides in doing its work.