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Breaking: Protesters storm Senate over bill for establishment of Marine Coast Guard

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2024

*as citizens call for immediate stop

No fewer than 5,000 activists, including youth and women from all over the country, stormed the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday to express their strong opposition to the Coastal Guards Establishment Bill.

The protesters, under the umbrella of Concerned Citizens of Nigeria, carried placards and banners with inscriptions such as “No to Coastal Guards Bill” and “Don’t Waste Our Resources.” They chanted slogans and sang songs, demanding that the National Assembly reject the bill.

According to Kabir Adamu Matazu, the spokesperson for the group, the Coastal Guards Bill is unnecessary and will only duplicate the functions of existing security agencies, such as the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Marine Police, and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Matazu argued that the bill is a waste of resources and will create confusion and conflict among the various security agencies. He also pointed out that the Nigerian Security Agencies are already highly rated and acclaimed internationally, and therefore, there is no need to establish a new agency.

The protesters called on the National Assembly to reject the bill and instead focus on strengthening and bolstering the functions and capacity of existing institutions.

They also urged the government to invest scarce resources in addressing the fundamental problems facing the country, rather than embarking on unnecessary adventures.

“Let us state unequivocally that members of the Nigerian Coastal Guards will not and cannot better protect Nigerian’s maritime interest and further regional coastal security, an additional agency will do nothing to improve these situations,” Matazu said in his address.

“Profoundly repetitive and reoccurring is the problem of duplications. For instance, what will the responsibility of the Merchant Shipping Act and NIMASA Act be if the Coastal Guards are saddled with the same functions of the training of seafarers?

“Another duplicative role is the involvement of the Coastal Guards in the performance of the responsibilities of monitoring and security surveillance of Nigeria’s waterways and also in hydrography since both the Nigeria Police and the Nigerian Navy are already involved in both duties. This has been further compounded by the presidential approval for the conversion of the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office into the National Hydrographic Agency, and the designation of the Nigerian Navy Hydrographer as the Hydrographer of the Federation.

“The bill has been further rendered null and irrelevant considering the functions and responsibilities of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), which constitutionally is to enforce laws and regulations within Nigeria’s inland waters.

“Rather than solve any chaotic problem in the maritime sector, this bill if passed into law will only provoke challenges experienced in administration. This is so because the establishment of coastal guards will complicate the coordination of the maritime sector, initiate unnecessary competition and undermine cohesion, leading to anarchy. These will be taken advantage of by criminal elements and conspirators enhancing negative ratings and culminating in the re-enlisting of the country into the Maritime Piracy Index, which it exited in 2022.

“There is, therefore, no gainsaying the fact that establishing the Nigerian Coastal Guards, given the peculiarity of our resources and structure, will only create an ambience and actual possible occurrence of potential jurisdictional conflict and operational inefficiencies, which is similar to what is happening in the US, UK, and South Africa, with consequential negative exploitation of our economy.

“Nigeria does not need a Coastal Guard. We strongly believe that this broken record will henceforth never be played again. It is in our collective interest to kill this Bill. It is in the interest of democracy’s future and even the future of our children to kill this Bill once and for all.

“This Bill does not address any of the fundamental problems of Nigeria, rather it is on the voyage of adventurism. This bill is of no business in the first instance and needs to die now without more waste of time and public funds.”

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Army Supply and Transport Corps Reviews Operations, Targets Improved Service Delivery

Published

52 minutes ago

March 24, 2026

Daily Mirror

The Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (CCST), Maj.-Gen. Nansak Danjuma Shagaya, has commenced a two-day conference aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and service delivery in support of Nigerian Army missions.

The conference, with the theme “Optimising ST Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to Nigerian Army Operations in All Missions,” began on Tuesday at the Muhammadu Buhari Auditorium, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Benin City, Edo State.

Shagaya said the conference was designed to review the Corps’ performance in ongoing military operations and provide a platform for strategic reflection, institutional learning, and collective problem-solving.

He noted that the forum would enable commanders to exchange ideas, assess operational realities, evaluate emerging challenges, and develop strategies to strengthen logistics support in a dynamic security environment.

“The contemporary operational landscape in which the Nigerian Army operates is increasingly complex and multidimensional,” he said.

“Modern military operations are characterised by fluid threat dynamics, technological evolution, and heightened demands on operational sustainability. In such an environment, the role of logistics has become even more critical.”

The CCST added that the conference would facilitate frank and professional engagement among senior officers to review operational commitments, examine institutional challenges, and explore innovative approaches to improve efficiency.

He urged participants to approach discussions with professionalism and a shared commitment to strengthening the Corps’ effectiveness.

Earlier, the Commandant of NASST, Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Olatunde Adegbite, said the conference would provide an avenue for interaction between the Corps Commander, field commanders, and senior officers on achieving the Nigerian Army’s mission.

Adegbite said the engagement aligns with the Corps’ command philosophy of developing a highly proficient Supply and Transport Corps capable of efficiently supporting the Army in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.

He added that the conference would promote knowledge sharing, address operational challenges, and enhance service delivery.

Highlights of the event include the commissioning of a Soldiers’ Dining Hall, a remodeled NASST Driving Simulation Centre, the unveiling of Col. I. Taiwo Crescent, and a group photograph.

The conference will also feature a Pulling-Out Ceremony and Gala Night in honour of retired generals of the Corps on March 26.

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NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, Hailed as Transformative Leader on Birthday

Published

8 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Daily Mirror

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Grace Ike, has been described as a transformative leader in the media profession as she marks her birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, a former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Evelyn Onyilo, commended Ike for breaking barriers and redefining leadership within the union.

Onyilo noted that Ike made history as the first female chairman of the NUJ FCT Council in over four decades, describing her emergence as a significant milestone for women in journalism.

She said Ike’s tenure had been marked by remarkable achievements, particularly in infrastructural development and the welfare of members, adding that her leadership had also strengthened participation and unity within the union.

“Her tenure has witnessed unprecedented development and effective mobilisation of members to actively participate in the affairs of the union, making her a foremost transformative leader of our era,” Onyilo said.

The publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine further described Ike as a media icon of immense value, praying for greater accomplishments, good health, and continued success in her leadership journey.

Onyilo congratulated Ike on her birthday and wished her many more years of impactful service.

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COAS Salutes Troops’ Sacrifice, Hosts Special Sallah Luncheon in Edo

Published

2 days ago

March 22, 2026

Daily Mirror

he Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, hosted a special Sallah luncheon for troops of the Forward Operations Base (FOB) Sobe in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Speaking at the event, the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving troop welfare and boosting morale through strategic initiatives. He urged the soldiers to remain resolute in their duty to defend the nation’s peace, unity, and territorial integrity.

Represented by the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, the Army Chief commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism despite operating under challenging conditions. He noted that their sacrifices and dedication embody the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier.

“They serve in difficult and often demanding environments, far from the comfort of their homes, yet remain steadfast in loyalty and professionalism.

Their endurance, sacrifice, and courage represent the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier,” he said, while praying for their safety and success in ongoing operations.

The COAS also lauded the continued collaboration between the Nigerian Army and other security and intelligence agencies, describing inter-agency synergy as critical to sustaining operational success and national stability.

He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military, noting that the President’s leadership remains a strong source of motivation for the Armed Forces.

In his welcome address, the Commander, FOB Sobe, Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Agboro, described the COAS luncheon as a significant annual tradition held during major festive periods, including Eid-el-Fitr, Eid-el-Kabir, Easter, and Christmas.

He said the initiative is aimed at boosting troop morale, recognising their sacrifices, honouring fallen heroes, and strengthening camaraderie within the ranks.

Agboro appreciated the Brigade Commander and his entourage for visiting the base to celebrate with the troops. He also acknowledged the presence of the Vice Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Mr Dele Aleburu, who represented the council chairperson, Madam Joy Ohonyon, as well as the traditional ruler of Sobe, HRH Anthony Ero Aleburu I, and heads of other security agencies in the area.

The event featured a luncheon, cultural dance performances, comedy presentations, and morale-boosting songs by the troops.