Senate Postpones Public Hearing On Nigerian Coast Guard Bill Over Lagbaja’s Death

The Senate Committee on Marine Transport has announced an indefinite postponement of the planned public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill.

Originally scheduled for November 7, the session was to be held at the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, drawing the participation of key stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector to discuss vital issues impacting the nation’s coastal security.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC-Lagos), aims to establish comprehensive legislation to enhance the country’s security, with a primary focus on safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and reinforcing regional coastal security.

Senator Eshilokun highlighted that the bill would also promote adherence to international standards and best practices in maritime security.

However, the Committee Clerk, Dauda Bukar, issued a statement on Thursday attributing the postponement to the recent passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja.

The general died on Tuesday night at the age of 56, a development that has cast a shadow over proceedings within the National Assembly.

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.”