The Nigerian Senate Committee on Marine Transport has postponed its planned public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill over the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, as the reason.
Originally scheduled for Thursday, November 7, the hearing was to take place at the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre in Abuja. Stakeholders were expected to discuss critical aspects of Nigeria’s maritime security and regulations.
The Nigerian Coast Guard Bill, introduced by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC-Lagos), aims to enhance national security. It specifically focuses on safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and regional coastal security.
The bill seeks to align Nigeria with international standards in maritime operations and security practices.
The Committee Clerk, Dauda Bukar, issued a statement on Thursday acknowledging that the committee prioritized the bill but felt it appropriate to postpone the hearing due to the national mourning period following the Army Chief’s unexpected death on Tuesday at the age of 56.
Bukar stated, “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 on the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill, scheduled for Thursday, November 7, has been postponed indefinitely.”
He added, “A new date will be announced in due course. This decision is largely in respect of the state of mourning for the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.”
The public hearing on the bill has now been postponed twice. It was initially scheduled for Wednesday, November 5.
Though no rescheduled date has been set, Bukar assured stakeholders that discussions surrounding the bill remain a legislative priority for the committee.
