Five more maritime security groups have joined the Provisional Nigerian Coast Guard during it’s second edition of harmonisation meeting, held at Independence Hall, Abak Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom state.
The groups are Redzone Marine, Maritime Safety and Security Initiative, Anti-confilct Agency, Marine Safety and Rescue Agency, and Marine Coastal Security.
This brings the total number of the security groups to 15, following 10 others that fused into the provisional agency during its first edition of the harmonisation ceremony in March 8, 2024.
The National Coordinator of the provisional agency, Sekemnide Sunday, said the exercise was inline with the directive of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to fast track it’s recognition as a maritime security agency under the federal government, to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Navy, in the water ways.
Mr Sunday, recalled that the group started in 2021 through a bill introduced in the 9th Senate, by Senator Akon Eyakenyi, for establishment of additional security outfit in the riverine areas to complement the efforts of other security agencies.
He commended the leadership of the 15 groups who have joined the Nigerian Coast Guard so far, assuring them that all their interests will be accommodated for the greater good of the country.
The National Co-ordinator, further appealed to the National Assembly members to expedite actions to pass the bill, which is already at the committee stage, to recognise the agency as one of the Nigerian security outfits in the country, insisting that it will improve security and also create employment for many youths in the Nigeria.
Some stakeholders commended the leadership of the provisional Nigerian Coast Guard for their resilience to ensure that they are united under one front to combat security threats in the water ways, and urged the National Assembly and the Federal Government to recognise the provisional agency.
They argued that the security threats in the Nigerian water ways, including the unwholesome activities of Sea pirates are overwhelming for one agency, hence, the establishment of an additional security outfit in the coastal area is very apt.
Captain Moses Etim while presenting a paper on the importance of harmonization insists that it will ensure standardised security protocol, improved coordination and collaboration as well as increased Trust and reputation for the agency.
He further noted that the establishment of Nigerian Coast Guard will enable them play a crucial role in enhancing maritime security and safety in the Gulf of Guinea, a region known for its strategic importance and security challenges, such as sea piracy, illegal fishing, oil theft and smuggling.
The Nigerian Coast Guard also used the event to launch their anthem, composed by Gabriel Akpakpan and Etietop Akpan.