Commissioner harps on tackling Maritime security challenges

BY NSEOBONG DAVID

The need to tackle maritime security challenges for socio-economic development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria in general has been stressed.

The Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Idorenyin Sunday Udoh made the point while playing hosts to the Commandant, members of Faculty of the Naval War College as well as participants of Course one who visited the Ministry as part of their research tour.

Mr. Udoh said that an overhaul of our national approaches to security issues was needful to tackle maritime insecurity in our part of the world.  He listed approaches which can be used in tackling the menace to include: educational enlightenment of our people at all levels about security matters, reviewing and strengthening legal procedures in security matters as well as investing in and promoting intelligence gathering and sharing in a variety of fields. 

The Economic Development boss expressed delight in the tour which he said offered the opportunity for engagement with stakeholders on the crucial matter of maritime security. He noted that the theme of the Study Tour which was: “Combating Maritime Security Challenges Towards Socio-Economic Development” was apt, since Akwa Ibom State possesses the longest coastline in the country with 129km and whose offshore oil activities produce the highest quantum of oil in the country.  

He expressed optimism that all the maritime boundary problems in the country would be resolved, as they have adverse effect on economic activities and social life of the citizenry, while he wished the naval delegation a successful tour and pleasant time in Akwa Ibom State.

Responding, the Commandant of the Naval War College, Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia said the Naval delegation was in the State as part of the Course One study tour which has to do with combating maritime security challenges.  Admiral Udofia noted that the course is aimed at developing critical competence of the Nigerian Navy, after which useful recommendations would be made to the government and other agencies involved in maritime operations in the country.