Maritime Insecurity Affects Nigeria’s Economy, Says Navy Chief

NIGERIAN Navy has expressed worry over increasing maritime crimes, stating that they negatively affect the economic lifeline of the country.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo, stated that maritime crimes such as sea robbery, piracy, crude oil theft, poaching, human trafficking and illicit smuggling of drugs  and weapons pose serious challenges to the country’s development.

Gambo made this known on Thursday during the Chief of Naval Staff Conference held at Kano state Government House.

He explained that these crimes were also major challenge to the competence and capability of the men of the Nigerian Navy in combat operations.

He said, “Characteristically, the maritime threats have become major concern and are evolving and challenging the combat capability of the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders.

“The present situation calls for constant reappraisals, greater collaboration as well as inter-agency cooperation within stakeholders.

He disclosed that  there were some federal and local initiatives  initiated in recent time to boost security efforts at the water ways which was a reflection of commitment to security and developmental imperatives in the maritime sector.

“In the recent past, a huge capability gap has emerged amongst stakeholders in the efficient discharge of their constitutional mandates. I therefore believe that this conference would provide a veritable platform to proffer workable solutions in fine-tuning Nigerian Navy efforts at securing our maritime environment,” he said.

The naval chief added that one of the major implications of the emerging security situation is the increasing demand for effective collaboration in maritime policing.