The Rivers State government has pledged to enhance maritime security, protect national assets, and boost economic growth.
The Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), made the remark during a visit by the participants of the Nigerian Naval Warfare College Course 9, who were on a study tour in Port Harcourt, on Monday.
He said that the commitment was crucial for Nigeria’s economic development, particularly in coastal areas where maritime security threats have significant impacts.
He lauded the initiative of the study tour, themed, “Optimizing Technology for Effective Maritime Security Operations.’’
Ibas emphasised the importance of leveraging modern technology to safeguard national assets, coastal communities, and ensure sustainable economic development.
He commended the Nigerian Naval War College for prioritising technological innovation in maritime security.
Ibas mentioned some of the key maritime security challenges as sea piracy, smuggling, and environmental hazards, saying that the increase requires advanced solutions.
The Sole Administrator reiterated the state readiness to collaborate with federal security agencies and invest in strategic infrastructure and cooperative frameworks to enhance safety on land and at sea.
He urged the participants to ensure that the study tour strengthened collective stakeholder resolve and broadened professional approaches to achieving sustainable maritime security outcomes.
In a speech, Rear Admiral Akinola Olodude, the Commandant of the Nigerian Naval War College, highlighted Rivers’ strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that the state accounted for 30 per cent of Nigeria’s coastline, approximately 853km and over 40 per cent of the nation’s crude oil output.
Olodude also noted that the state accounted for 33 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings.
He said that due to the critical assets, transitioning from traditional maritime security methods to optimizing technology ‘’is imperative for addressing contemporary challenges in Rivers’ diverse maritime environment.”
Olodude explained that the study tour underscored the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to fostering operational excellence and technological advancement in maritime security, with the state playing a pivotal role in the national effort.
