The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, have inaugurated 14 patrol gunboats to tackle maritime insecurity in the state.
The gunboats were procured by the state government as take-off assets for its newly created Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways.
Speaking at the Nigerian Naval Ship Base at Ikot Abasi, NNS Jubilee Jetty, where the patrol boats were inaugurated on Friday, Governor Eno reiterated his determination to boost maritime security on the waterways in line with the fourth aspiration of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
The governor, who commended the existing synergy between the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies and the state government, stressed that the operation of the waterway will be a joint task force led by the Nigerian Navy, with support from sister agencies and some locals with a good understanding of the maritime environment who may be profiled through the Ibom Community Watch program and co-opted into operations.
He reiterated his campaign promises of exploring the blue economy potential of the state and making a tourist haven out of the coastal communities.
He said his administration would spare no effort and resources to curb all sorts of insecurity on the waterways and ensure a peaceful ambiance for legitimate businesses to thrive in the riverine areas.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to bringing back the ancient fun memories of marine transportation and other economic activities along the coastline.