Maritime Security: A’Ibom Govt Restates Partnership With Nigerian Navy
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo, has, in line with his commitment to the development of the blue economy, reiterated the resolve of his administration to have a robust working relationship with security agencies operating within the maritime sector.
Governor Eno stated this when he played host to the Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, at Government House, Uyo.
Welcoming the Naval boss to the state, he emphasised the importance of a fortified security network to development and assured that his administration would continue to support and collaborate with security agencies for development.
He said, “It is good to have you back. Particularly, you have been around here in Ibaka and Cross River State. So see how destiny brought you back. It is a homecoming for you, and we welcome you.
“We will continue to ask for more. As you have noted, for the blue economy to succeed, the Nigerian Navy will play a vital role, and for me, the most critical role is that of maritime security, which will help build the confidence of our people and that of foreign investors like you have already identified. So we will continue to partner with you,” he added.
Related: A’Ibom Govt Launches 14 Gunboats, Partners Nigerian Navy To Boost Waterways Security
The Governor maintained that the state government has already, in the past few months, invested in gunboats and created a dedicated ministry for internal and waterways security, among other moves, noting that he was ready to cooperate with the Nigerian Navy towards ensuring that no part of the state is a haven for criminality.
According to him, “When we came in at the early stage, we invested in the gunboat. We also showed that we are serious about security. That is why we created a different ministry for security and waterways to collaborate with the security agencies and have a smooth information flow that can help us. We have recorded a lot of success, even though we still have so much to be done,” he stated.
He congratulated the new Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, on his assumption of duties in the command and assured him of his commitment to a more robust working relationship with the command.
Rear Admiral Akinwande, in his remark, noted the long-standing relationship between the command and the Akwa Ibom State Government, as reflected in the huge contributions made by Governor Umo Eno to the Nigerian Navy and, by extension, the maritime sector.
Akinwande informed Governor Eno that the command has stepped up its operations to enhance the socio-economic activities in the coastal areas after taking delivery of some Navy ships, affirming that the command will continue to do everything to ensure the smooth operations of the Eastern Naval Command.
The Flag Officer Commanding was in Government House to pay a courtesy visit to Governor Umo Eno as the Chief Executive of one of the states under his operational responsibilities, following his assumption of duty. The command covers Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers states.
