Tinubu and NASS Urgently Urged to Reject Coast Guard Bill, 5 NGOs Explain Their Reasons

• The Coalition to Support National Security Development (CSNSA) warns that the proposed Coast Guard Bill conflicts with Article 217 of the Nigerian Constitution
• CSNSA advocates strengthening the Nigerian Navy, underlining the financial burden of establishing a new Coast Guard
• The coalition proposes strengthening the Navy and creating a civilian-controlled maritime agency for non-military missions

Five non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have rejected the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill currently before the National Assembly, describing it as “anti-Nigeria”.

Speaking at the worldwide press conference held in Abuja, the Coalition to Support National Security Development (CSNSA) argued that the bill could endanger national security and strain social relations. economyand is contrary to the provisions of the constitution.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Okwa Dan and Bilal Abdulahi expressed concerns about the bill’s overlap with the bill. Nigerian Navy‘s roles and the potential to divert resources from existing military operations.

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“The Nigerian Navy has gained international recognition for its maritime security efforts.

“Instead of creating an entirely new entity, we should focus on strengthening the Navy so that it can perform both military and civilian maritime functions,” the coalition said.

NGOs express constitutional and economic concerns about the bill

CSNSA pointed out that the bill contradicts Article 217 of the Nigerian Constitution. Constitutiononly knowing that ArmyAs branches of the Armed Forces, the Navy and Air Force, Leadership reported

The group warned that establishing the Coast Guard would require constitutional changes and could lead to judicial and operational conflicts.

“Unity of command is vital in emergencies. The coalition emphasized that having the Coast Guard under a civilian ministry could create legal uncertainties and operational inefficiencies.

They also emphasized the economic burden of maintaining a new environment. marine He drew attention to the annual cost of the force of 13 billion dollars. WE For example, the Coast Guard.

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The coalition proposed strengthening the forces rather than creating a new force. Nigerian Navy Establishing a civilian-run maritime agency to carry out non-military missions such as environmental protection, customs enforcement and search and rescue, the New Telegraph reported.

“This approach avoids duplication, complies with constitutional limits, and is consistent with global best practices,” CSNSA said.

NGOs urge Tinubu and NASS to reject bill

The coalition, which called on the National Assembly to reject the bill, called on its sponsors to apologize to Nigerians for pushing what it described as “unnecessary and harmful legislation.”

“We humbly request that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly prioritize the capacity building efforts of the Nigerian Navy and consider non-military options for maritime security management,” the coalition said.

Nigerian Navy praised for fight against oil thieves

Before, legit.ng of the Civic Center for Security and Governance (CCSG) He praised the Nigerian Navy for its unwavering commitment to securing national assets and increasing government revenues.

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According to the group, this praise followed a comprehensive assessment of the Navy’s efforts in combating oil theft, a major problem that has significantly affected the Nigerian economy.

Source: Legit.ng