Eno Tasks Navy On Stronger Maritime Security For Blue Economy Growth
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on the Nigerian Navy to intensify surveillance of the nation’s waterways to tackle maritime crimes and protect economic activities in coastal communities.
The governor made the call while receiving participants of the Naval Warfare Course 10 during their operational study tour of Akwa Ibom State.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Eno stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Navy to support the state’s Blue Economy initiatives and ensure the safety of maritime assets.
He noted that Akwa Ibom’s extensive coastline and maritime boundaries with neighbouring countries, including Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, made sustained security efforts necessary to prevent piracy, kidnapping, illegal fishing, crude oil theft and other maritime-related crimes.
“Our waterways should be inaccessible to criminal elements. Sustained surveillance and inter-agency collaboration are essential to ensuring safety and economic activity,” the governor said.
Eno commended the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in securing the maritime domain and protecting legitimate users of the waterways, while advocating the adoption of modern technologies such as drones to improve surveillance capabilities.
He highlighted his administration’s support for security agencies, including the procurement of 14 patrol gunboats to strengthen maritime operations, as well as the provision of operational vehicles to enhance security response.
The governor also disclosed that the state’s Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways was working with the Ibom Community Watch to improve intelligence gathering and coordination.
He reaffirmed Akwa Ibom’s commitment to maintaining its status as one of Nigeria’s peaceful states through proactive security measures and strategic partnerships with relevant agencies.
Earlier, Commandant of the Naval War College, Rear Admiral Mohamed Muye, said the study tour was designed to expose participants to practical security challenges and enhance their understanding of maritime operations.
Muye commended Governor Eno for his support for the Nigerian Navy, particularly the assistance provided to NNS JUBILEE in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, including land allocation for naval facility expansion.
He described Akwa Ibom as a strategic maritime state with significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and Blue Economy development.
The Naval War College Commandant also praised the Ibom Deep Seaport project and other maritime initiatives of the state government, describing them as projects capable of positioning Akwa Ibom as a major maritime and industrial hub in the Gulf of Guinea.
He added that findings from the study tour would help strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and provide recommendations for improving maritime security and sustainable economic development.
