As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2025, Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of Provisionary Committee of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG), Capt. Noah Ichaba has commended Nigerians’ resilience, creativity, and courage, just as he envisions a nation where dreams flourish, talents thrive, and opportunities abound, built on a foundation of justice and integrity for a brighter future.
In a statement marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, Captain Noah Ichaba, through the Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, congratulated federal, state, and local authorities.
“PC-NCG salutes our sovereign motherland as the nation hoists her flag, and the citizens celebrate the joy of being freedom. In celebrating our country’s freedom, her sovereign pride, the brave souls (our heroes past) who fought for our liberty and the glorious sacrifices that made our unity in diversity possible.
“The PC-NCG prays for a true joy in our celebrations, an enhanced hope for the future and inspirational gratitude for the joy of being free to continually maintain an unbroken spirit as a people whom God has destined to attain excelling heights in the face of daunting challenges.
Captain Ichaba commended President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for transforming Nigeria’s maritime sector. Key initiatives include revitalizing seaports, unlocking funds for local shipowners, and leveraging human capital to drive continental maritime development, all achieved within a remarkably short timeframe.
Captain Ichaba noted that despite Nigeria’s extensive 850km coastline and 10,000km inland waterways, these assets were underutilized for decades due to policy neglect. He praised the current administration’s efforts to unlock new economic frontiers in shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and offshore energy, reducing dependence on crude oil.
“By modernizing Nigeria’s maritime sector to meet global standards, we enhance competitiveness and appeal to global partners. This policy will unlock private sector funding and foreign investment, fueling infrastructure development and ensuring the sector’s sustainable growth and global relevance.
“I commend the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola for the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, a visionary framework that will transform Nigeria’s maritime sector through economic sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and shared prosperity.
“Nigerians eagerly await the establishment of a robust, private-sector-led national shipping line and the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund. The Minister’s tireless efforts will cement Nigeria’s position as West and Central Africa’s premier maritime hub.
“For years, Nigeria’s maritime sector faced significant threats from piracy and ship attacks, disrupting trade and inflating shipping costs. The imposition of ‘war risk surcharges’ by insurers further burdened businesses. However, Hon. Oyetola’s strategic consolidation of the Deep Blue Project has yielded remarkable results, with three consecutive years of zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters.
“This achievement has contributed to a notable decline in attacks across the Gulf of Guinea, transforming a previously perilous shipping route into a safer passage.
“Nigeria’s achievement in eradicating piracy has earned global recognition from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) and International Maritime Organization (IMO). The country has been removed from the high-risk zone list, validating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s efforts under Hon. Oyetola’s leadership. Recently named Best Performing Ministry by PEBEC, the Ministry’s success stems from its proactive, inclusive approach and data-driven governance.
“Notwithstanding these efforts, the crowning glory of them all will be the immediate establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard which is a necessity for Nigeria’s Maritime Domain and a prove of setting our priorities right,” Captain Ichaba concluded.
