By Mercy Aikoye
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi, has said Nigeria needs to have a marine corps due to its vast maritime resources and the increasing threats to maritime security.
The Lawmaker who said this at a public hearing by the Committee on the Nigerian Marine Corps Bill at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, noted that 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.
In his opening remark, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the majority leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, 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.
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.
Adjourning the hearing, Gadgi assured Nigerians that due diligence would be done in carrying out legislative actions on the Bill noting that the committee is an impartial body and would not take sides in doing its work.
