Over 10 Maritime security groups working in the Nigerian maritime environment have been fused into the Nigerian Coast Guard, inline with the directive of the Ministry of Marine And Blue Economy to increase their chances of being recognised by the federal government.
This merging event took place during the national harmonisation meeting held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, to bring all the private security apparatus working in the coastal areas in Nigeria to come under one umbrella to reposition them to be approved by the federal government, as a security agency that will complement the efforts of the Nigerian Navy.
The groups that were fused into the nigerian coast guard are anti conflict, West African Carbotage and Coast Guard, based in north central, Red Zone Marine, Nigerian Community Coast Guard, among others.
The national director of coast guard, Sekenimde Sunday, while accepting the groups, commended the federal government for its efforts in improving national security and assured that they are committed to complementing the works of the Nigerian Navy to ensure safety in the country’s coastal lines.
He appreciated the groups for joining them, noting that they are committed to improving safety and security in the nation’s water ways.
He warned some people who are impersonating the Nigerian Coast Guard and selling forms thereby defrauding the public to desist from such act.
Just as he appealed to the public to reach out to them through their official website, www.coastguard.ng, for further information.
The Director stepped downall the appointments he did in 2021, and assured the leadership of the new groups that they will sit in a round table to harmonise appointments and ensure that all they are accommodated.
Some stakeholders including retired Rear Admiral Ekwere Udoh Ekwere and retired Colonel Dagbaja, said the harmonisation meeting became necessary to stop crisis among the various groups and clashes with the Nigerian Navy on the coastal lines.
They appealed to the federal government to facilitate the recognition of the group through the 10th National Assembly to strengthen security in the maritime environment.
Highpoint of the event was presentation of 20 personnel trained by the United kingdom government on maritime security.
The bill for the establishment of Nigerian Coast Guard was introduced in the 9th senate in 2021 by Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who is now the Deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, but the bill was dropped in the Third Reading.
