NMCGVS: Championing Humanitarian Lifesaving Services Amidst Push for Militarization

BY JENNIFER NWOSU 

At the Nigeria Marine Coast Guard Volunteer Service (NMCGVS) headquarters in Lagos, Captain Isaac O. Adamolekun outlined the organization’s mission to combat drowning and address water-related emergencies across Nigeria. As a pioneering initiative, the NMCGVS aims to bridge critical gaps in maritime search and rescue operations, providing a humanitarian, non-militarized alternative for lifesaving efforts.

The NMCGVS operates across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), focusing on critical areas such as flood rescue, maritime transport accidents, suicide prevention on long bridges, and marine tourism safety. It also conducts seminars, research on marine safety, and accident investigations. Despite being registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the NMCGVS seeks formal government gazetting to fully integrate into Nigeria’s maritime emergency response framework, akin to the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

A growing debate surrounds a private bill at do move, emphasizing that it undermines due constitutional processes and the foundational goals of the NMCGVS.

He explained that globally, maritime nations operate either volunteer coast guards or militarized entities. The decision on which model suits Nigeria’s maritime domain should involve extensive stakeholder consultations. Adamolekun cautioned against the complexities of militarization, which requires alignment with other arms of the military and rigorous legislative processes.

He said that the NMCGVS was not established to function as a militarized arm of the military, and that the Regimented Seaborne humanitarian lifesaving service is designed for non-combatant roles, emphasizing public safety and lifesaving operations without the encumbrances of militarization.

Despite its non-militarized structure, the NMCGVS has made significant strides. It has trained volunteers in seamanship, rescue swimming, and first aid in collaboration with the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology and international partners. The organization has also participated in initiatives like World Drowning Prevention Day and conducted rescue operations during floods in areas like Kara and Riverview Estate.

However, the lack of essential equipment, such as inflatable rescue boats, limits its response capacity. Adamolekun stressed that formal government recognition through gazetting is essential for the NMCGVS to fully realize its potential as a vital part of Nigeria's maritime emergency response framework. Such recognition would enable seamless collaboration with agencies like the Nigerian Navy, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

He also highlighted the economic and operational benefits of maintaining the NMCGVS as a non-militarized, regimented, humanitarian organization. By focusing on public safety, drowning prevention, and maritime tourism, the service could attract investments while addressing critical water-related challenges. 

Captain Adamolekun called on the federal government, the National Assembly, and maritime stakeholders to recognize and support the NMCGVS in its mission to serve as a beacon of hope and safety for Nigeria’s waterways.

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