Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has disclosed plans of his Ministry to seek the support and buy-in of the National Assembly towards establishing the Coastal Guard as part of efforts to enhance security along the country’s coastlines.
The Minister disclosed when a delegation from the House of Representatives Committee on Marine Safety, Education and Administration led by Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, its Chairman, paid him a courtesy visit on Monday in Abuja.
According to a press statement signed by Olujimi Oyetomi, Director, Press & Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation/ Marine and Blue Economy, establishing a Coastal Guard has become necessary given its place in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“Very soon, we will be coming to you to seek your support on Coastal Guards, which has become paramount. There’s a need for the executive bill to be considered and passed on this subject,” he stated.
Speaking further, the Minister requested his visitors to note that at a recent stakeholders engagement, participants and all constituted committees identified and harped on the need for coastal guards.
Hence, the request for the buy-in of the National Assembly through the initiation of a bill or proposition of legislation and subsequent support of the assembly.
Read also Oyetola signs performance bond with CEOs under Marine, Blue Economy Ministry
The Minister pointed out that establishing coastal guards in the country will enforce maritime laws, generate revenue, create jobs, promote economic well-being and maritime security, aggregate peace, and serve the purpose of international prestige.
On harnessing the abundant potentials of the marine and blue economy, Oyetola said stakeholders and industry players have postulated that the Ministry can generate trillions of dollars for the nation, adding that harnessing the numerous potentials that abound in the sector can only be realized with the right enabling environment and infrastructure.
“The coastal guards assured are critical to realizing these benchmarks within the blue economy. Supporting this initiative will translate to a quick turnaround regarding foreign direct investment, coastal tourism, and other deliverables.
“Yes, we have the potential, but we need to ensure we have the enabling environment, the infrastructure so that we can get the desired result,” the Minister revealed.
Read alsoBlue economy to generate $20bn annually, creates 2m jobs – Oyetola
Appreciating the members for the visit, Oyetola stated that he does not take the visit for granted, pledging on behalf of the Ministry to cooperate and work harmoniously with the Committee. to achieve its desired goal of oversight functions
Speaking earlier, Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, the Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, said the Committee decided to visit the Minister to identify with him, with an overall objective of establishing a harmonious working relationship between the lawmakers, the Ministry and the Minister towards achieving the ideals of the Ministry as envisaged by President Ahmed Bola tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to her, the 6-point Legislative Agenda of the 10th Assembly has economic empowerment and diversification as one of its priorities. The Chairman said this tallies with the President’s goal of not taking courtesy calls for granted.
While commending the President for making maritime a veritable alternative source of revenue for the country, Khadija Bukar reiterated the support of the Committee, saying,
“We will be your Ambassadors as you relate with the entire 369 members of the House of Representatives. Permit me to highlight the modus operandi of our engagement with you, your Ministry, and your agencies as we navigate the maritime space. All rolled around our key parliamentary functions of law-making, representation, and oversight: Passage of Bills, Oversight functions, Appropriation and Capacity Building.” the Chairman added.
