THE Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Awwal Gambo has said that the current security threats in the country are of serious concern to Nigerians, noting that the “criminal activities in our maritime environment are directed at the economic lifeline of Nigeria.”
He added that “the scourge of illegalities such as sea robbery, piracy, crude oil theft, poaching, human and illicit trafficking of weapons and drugs among others constitute serious challenges to the development of the country and the region at large.”
Gambo who spoke during the 2021 Chief of Naval Staff Annual conference held at the Coronation Hall, Kano, said the maritime threats have become of major concern and are evolving and challenging the combat capability of the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders.
He said: “Looking at the recent happening, especially, the one posed by the global pandemic leading to economic challenges, it is clear that one of the major implications of the emerging security situation is the increased demand for effective collaboration in maritime policing.
“The present situation calls for constant reappraisal, greater collaboration as well as inter-agency cooperation within stakeholders.
“It is against this backdrop that the theme of this conference ‘Enhancing Nigeria’s Maritime Security for Improved National Prosperity’ was conceptualised. The objective of the conference, therefore, is to elicit proper understanding and develop strategies that will enhance our collective effort to meet present and emerging maritime challenges in our strategic environment.”
Earlier, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje said the “significance of the conference can best be appropriated through recognising the nexus that exists between having a secure maritime domain and socio-economic development of the nation.”
According to him, “the common impact of maritime insecurity on the economic livelihood, prosperity, peace and stability of Nigeria both within and immediate environment brings to fore the initiation of various collective response and intervention at national and stakeholders levels to tackle.”
He noted that the aforementioned maritime crimes hinder the ability of the country to effectively explore and manage the resources and opportunities contained therein for its own economic livelihood, prosperity, peace and stability as well as for the benefits of neighbouring countries.
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