The Nigerian Senate Committee on Marine Transport has indefinitely postponed the highly anticipated public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill, which was initially scheduled for November 7 at the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, with key stakeholders in attendance to address pressing issues in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The decision follows the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died at age 56 on Tuesday night.

Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC-Lagos), the bill’s sponsor, emphasized that the proposed legislation is intended to bolster Nigeria’s maritime security, protect national interests along the coast, and promote adherence to global maritime standards. The public hearing had been set to convene leading industry stakeholders, policymakers, and security experts to deliberate on the bill’s objectives.

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This delay marks the second postponement for the session, originally set for November 5, with a revised date yet to be announced. In a statement from the Committee Clerk, Dauda Bukar, the postponement honors the nation’s state of mourning for Lt. General Lagbaja, whose unexpected passing has affected the scheduling of key legislative activities.

The statement read: “I am directed to inform all stakeholders and the General Public that the one-day Public Hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport National Assembly on The Nigerian Coast Guard Bill scheduled to hold on Thursday 7th November 2024 at the National Assembly Library & Resource Centre has been Postponed indefinitely.

“New date will be announced in due course. This is largely because of the state of mourning for the Demise of the Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.”

The Committee assured stakeholders and the public that the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill remains a legislative priority and a rescheduled hearing date will be communicated soon.

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