The Provisional Committee of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG) on Friday renewed its call for a dedicated Coast Guard to strengthen maritime security and economic protection.

In a statement, PC-NCG Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Noah Ichaba, described the Coast Guard as the missing link in Nigeria’s maritime governance structure.

He said a Coast Guard would unify maritime safety, security, enforcement and economic protection under a coordinated operational framework.

According to Ichaba, the agency will support anti-smuggling operations, curb illegal fishing, enhance vessel inspections and improve compliance enforcement.

He added that a centralised Coast Guard would boost rapid response to piracy, oil theft, sea robbery and kidnapping on Nigeria’s waterways.