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Stakeholders Reject Establishment Of Nigerian Marine Corps

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By Gloria Ikibah
Stakeholders have rejected the establishment of Nigerian Marine Corps at
a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Monday in Abuja.
Lawmakers, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Shippers Council and several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), all spoke against a Bill for an Act to establish Nigerian Marine Corps.
The Bill, which seeks to promote maritime security and enhance the safety of the blue economy of Nigeria, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish Nigerian Marine Corps to Promote Maritime Security (HB 225)”, was sponsored by Rep. Alex Egbona (Cross River), passed second reading on the floor of the House on Thursday, 30th November, 2023, and was referred to the House Committee on Navy for a public hearing.
Speaking against the Bill Rep. Philip Agbese, Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, said the Bill proposes to create a new federal body tasked with maritime law enforcement and defense responsibilities traditionally managed by the Nigerian Navy and other existing agencies, such as NIMASA, and would amount to duplication of functions, if allowed to scale through.
Agbese who spoke on behalf of 66 other Members emphasised that, it was their duty to critically examine proposed legislation with a view to ensure its aligns with the best interests of the nation and to avoid the creation of unnecessary or duplicative structures within government agencies.
“Acting under the mandate to promote efficient governance and resource management, we hereby call for the total and complete rejection of the bill proposing the establishment of the Nigerian Marine Corps.
“It is our contention as Members of this legislative body that the creation of this new entity would only result in significant overlap, redundancy, and logistical strain, creating operational inefficiencies and imposing unwarranted financial demands on the government.
“The proposed Act outlines the creation of a maritime enforcement agency charged with enforcing or assisting in the enforcement of federal laws on, under, and over Nigeria’s high seas and other waterways, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and required to maintain a state of readiness to function as a specialized service within the Nigerian Navy in times of war. This proposed body raises multiple operational, economic, and strategic concerns particularly in the areas of jurisdictional conflicts, wartime readiness, legal authority, and environmental management.
“We have thoroughly examined this bill and its objectives and we assert that the establishment of a Nigerian Marine Corps is both redundant and counterproductive, given the existing roles, mandates, and capacities of the Nigerian Navy and other maritime agencies.
“We therefore firmly and unequivocally call for the total defeat of the bill and a recommendation for its immediate withdrawal, while highlighting the compelling need to prioritize efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and coherent maritime governance”.
Representing of the Nigeria  Police Force, SP Nandom Vongjen, Staff Officer Marine Section, described the Bill as ill-advised, and stressed that it does not only lead to duplication of duties, which a section of the Force is currently undertaking, but it would result to proliferation of maritime security outfits and tantamount to a parallel unit of the armed forces of Nigeria.
“The proposed Nigerian Marine Corps, while well-intentioned, has the potential to create more problems than it solves. A more prudent approach would be to strengthen existing agencies and optimize their capabilities to ensure effective maritime security. By streamlining existing structures and fostering inter-agency cooperation, Nigeria can enhance its maritime security capabilities without incurring unnecessary costs or creating additional bureaucratic hurdles”, he said.
In their separate submissions, the Chief of Training & Operations of Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira; Coordinator, NIMASA, Abuja Zonal Office, Mrs. Moji Jimoh and Director, Legal Services, Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Bala Saleh; underscored the need to strengthen the already existing agencies, rather than creating new ones which could pose more security threats to the nation.
All the Members of the Civil Society Organisations who attended the public hearing, spoke against the Bill, urging the House to kill the Bill during the third reading, describing it as unnecessary.
Earlier Chairman, Committee on Navy, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, in his opening remarks said establishing the Nigerian Marine Corps is a strategic initiative to enhance the country’s maritime prowess, protect our waters, and foster a secure environment for trade and economic growth.
According to Rep. Gagdi the bill represents a proactive step towards safeguarding our national interests and ensuring the safety of the coastal and marine environments.
He stressed the need for collaboration and dialogue in shaping the future of the nation’s maritime safety and security.
“Establishing the Nigerian Marine Corps is not merely a legislative effort but a strategic initiative to enhance our maritime prowess, protect our waters, and foster a secure environment for trade and economic growth.
“Given Nigeria’s vast maritime resources and the increasing threats to maritime security, this bill represents a proactive step towards safeguarding our national interests and ensuring the safety of our coastal and marine environments,” he said.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, said the hearing represents another step in the shared commitment to the democratic process and collective resolve to advance the security, stability, and prosperity of our great nation.
He said the focus on marine intervention is firmly rooted in the legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives, particularly in our goals of Economic Diversification and Agricultural Development.
“Central to these goals is the exploration and sustainable development of the Blue Economy. This aligns closely with our commitment to addressing Climate Change and promoting Environmental Sustainability. Among other efforts, this includes engaging stakeholders to review the National Oceans Policy, which emphasizes the sustainable management and conservation of Nigeria’s marine and coastal resources.
“Today’s hearing, however, centres specifically on maritime security—an essential pillar for harnessing the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector. The proposed bill seeks to establish a Nigerian Marine Corps to safeguard national maritime and related infrastructures, protect our territorial waters and coastal lands, and enhance security mechanisms within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“Globally, nations have recognized the importance of dedicated marine forces in securing their maritime interests. The United States Marine Corps, the Russian Naval Infantry, and the South Korean Marine Corps are prime examples. These entities provide invaluable support for amphibious operations, maritime security, and national defence. Our vision for the Nigerian Marine Corps is no different. This is not merely about creating another military branch but establishing a specialized and well-trained unit to address Nigeria’s unique maritime challenges and opportunities.
“The realities of our time demand bold action. Global peace is increasingly fragile, and Nigeria faces security challenges exacerbated by its proximity to regions of instability. As such, it is pragmatic and necessary for Nigeria to bolster its military capabilities, with a strong emphasis on naval warfare and maritime security.
“However, this is not solely a matter of defence. The Marine Corps, as envisioned in this bill, will also play a pivotal role in promoting climate and environmental sustainability. By aiding in the management and conservation of Nigeria’s coastal resources, the Corps will contribute to the broader national and global agenda of environmental stewardship,” he said.
However stakeholders at the hearing kicked against the bill.
Those who spoke on behalf of the CSOs include, Abdullahi Bilal, Spokesman for Security Analysts & Research Forum in Africa; Okwa Daniel, Executive Director, Centre for Social Justice, Equity & Transparency; Daniel Momoh Prince, National President, Nigerian Unemployed Youth Association; Igwe Ude-Umanta, Convener, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations on Economic Watch; Opialu Fabian, Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights & Advocacy in Africa Network; amongst others.
While adjourning the hearing, the Chairman, assured Nigerians that due diligence would be done in carrying out legislative actions on the Bills, saying, the Committee was an impartial body and as such, would not take sides in doing its work.
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Army acquires 43 drones, wings 46 Turkey-trained personnel

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The Federal Government has bolstered the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity with the acquisition of 43 Bayraktar TB2 drones, primarily for deployment in the North-West theatre of operations.

The Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, Brig. Gen. U.G. Ogeleka, disclosed this on Tuesday during the winging ceremony of 46 personnel trained in the operation and maintenance of the drones.

The initiative, codenamed Project Guardian, aims to strengthen military operations against insurgency and other security challenges in the region.

“Between May and September 2022, a team of 35 officers and 11 soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s routinely piloted aircraft system regiments underwent specialised training in Turkey on the operation and maintenance of the Bayraktar TB2 drones,” Ogeleka said. “The training crew included multi-piloted aircraft pilots, mission operators, avionics, and mechanical engineers and technicians.”

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Out of the 46 trained personnel, 14 are multi-piloted aircraft pilots, seven are mission operators, and 23 are engineers and technicians.

Ogeleka presented 22 of the trained personnel for the winging ceremony, noting that the others are actively engaged in operational duties.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, praised the acquisition of the drones and the training of personnel as significant steps toward enhancing the army’s professionalism and combat readiness.

“The winging of these 22 officers and soldiers as pilots and certified maintenance engineers is a morale booster for others in service,” Oluyede said. “It confirms their readiness to operate and maintain the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones in our inventory.”

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Oluyede further revealed plans to procure additional unmanned aerial systems in the coming year to strengthen military operations across all theatres in the country.

The drones will play a critical role in addressing security challenges in the North-West, a region plagued by banditry and insurgency.

Their advanced surveillance and strike capabilities are expected to significantly enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness.

This development underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve national security and highlights the Nigerian Army’s drive to modernize its arsenal and build capacity within its ranks.

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With more unmanned aerial systems set for acquisition, the military’s ability to conduct precise, real-time surveillance and combat operations is poised for substantial improvement.

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Ondo Assembly mulls 10-year jail term for land grabbers

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The Ondo State House of Assembly is considering a bill that proposes harsh penalties for land grabbers, including up to 10 years imprisonment for forceful entry or illegal takeover of properties.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has further reinforced the fight against land grabbing by signing an Executive Order to prohibit such activities.

The order aims to end forceful entry, illegal occupation of landed properties, and fraudulent or violent conduct related to land in the state.

To strengthen enforcement, the governor has established a Task Force to protect property rights, uphold the rule of law, and ensure a secure environment for property owners and residents.

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The proposed bill also includes severe penalties of up to 21 years imprisonment for selling family land without the consent of the family head or secretary.

Hon Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, the lawmaker representing Ondo West Constituency 1, who sponsored the bill, spoke during a public hearing on the bill

Hon Ogunwumiju assured stakeholders that the bill would improve land administration, protect landowners, attract investors, and foster peace and development in the state.

He explained that the bill sought to regulate land dealings, protect landowners and buyers, penalise encroachers, and criminalise unregistered agents.

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Ogunwumiju said the bill proposed penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for forceful entry or takeover of properties and up to 21 years for selling family land without the consent of the family head or secretary.

Speaker of the Assembly, Hon Olamide Oladiji, urged committee members and stakeholders to ensure the bill served the interests of the people.

He said the bill would maintain order in the state and impose necessary sanctions on offenders.

“Land grabbers pose a significant threat to property acquisition. Their activities ranging from trespassing, forceful occupation, and illegal sales of properties to multiple buyers must be confronted decisively.”

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Majority Leader and Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi,  said the bill, would benefit the society at large

Ondo Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Kayode Ajulo said the bill would enhance land administration and complement the executive order signed by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Stakeholders including traditional rulers  called for full implementation of the bill when signed into law.

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FG earmarks N250bn for Lagos-Abuja rail project in 2025 budget

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The federal government has made an allocation of N250 billion in the 2025 budget for the Lagos–Abuja mass transit rail project.

This budgetary investment is part of a broader plan to revitalize Nigeria’s infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.

The government’s focus on infrastructure development is rooted in the belief that it is a cornerstone of long-term economic planning.

By investing in critical infrastructure such as roads, railways, energy, healthcare, and education, the administration aims to create a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investment.

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The Lagos-Abuja rail project, in particular, is expected to have a transformative impact on the Nigerian economy.

By improving transportation connectivity between two major economic hubs, the project will facilitate the movement of goods and people, reduce logistics costs, and stimulate economic activity.

Additionally, the project is expected to create numerous jobs, both directly and indirectly, contributing to the country’s overall employment rate.

The government’s infrastructure investments are also aimed at addressing regional disparities.

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By connecting different parts of the country through improved transportation networks, the administration hopes to stimulate economic growth in underserved regions, reduce poverty, and promote equitable development.

The 2025 budget signals the government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.

By investing in critical projects like the Lagos-Abuja rail line, the administration aims to lay the foundation for a more prosperous and connected Nigeria.

However, the success of these initiatives will depend on effective planning, efficient implementation, and transparent governance.

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