Akwa Ibom restates commitment to partner Nigerian Navy on maritime security

In line with his commitment to the development of blue economy, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo has reiterated the resolve of his administration to have a robust working relationship with security agencies operating within the maritime sector.

The State Governor, Pastor Umo 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 emphasized the importance of a fortified security network to development, and assured that his administration will continue to support and collaborate with security agencies for the purposes of development.

He said, “It is good to have you back. Particularly also, you have been around here in Ibaka and Cross River State. So see how destiny brought you back. It is a home coming for you, and we welcome you.

“We will continue to ask for more. Like 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 that 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.

The Governor maintained that already, the State government has in the past few months, invested in gun boats, 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 safe haven for criminality.

According to him, “When we came in at the early stage, we invested in the gun boat. We also showed that we are serious about security. That is why we created a different ministry for Security and Waterways so as to collaborate with the security agencies, have 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 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 towards ensuring 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.