By Abigail Philip David
The Senate Committee on Marine Transport has indefinitely postponed a scheduled public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill, initially set for November 7 at the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre. The hearing was intended to gather input from key stakeholders on Nigeria’s maritime security and the bill’s alignment with international standards.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC-Lagos), aims to enhance Nigeria’s maritime security by creating a Coast Guard that would address the nation’s coastal safety needs and contribute to regional security efforts.
In a statement on Thursday, Committee Clerk Dauda Bukar announced that the hearing was postponed due to the recent passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday at age 56. This marks the second postponement, as the hearing was originally slated for November 5.
Although no new date has been set, the Senate Committee reassured stakeholders that discussions on the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill remain a priority.
“I am directed to inform all stakeholders and the general public that the one-day public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 2024, has been postponed indefinitely. A new date will be announced in due course, as we join in mourning the loss of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” the statement read.
