States situated along the country’s coastline have stressed the need for harmonised maritime laws in order to strengthen security across the waterways as well as improve cross-border trade between Nigeria’s coastal communities and neighbouring countries.
While converging on Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom, the concerned state governments under the aegis of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform, the forum, also demanded that a percentage of revenue from maritime taxes and crude oil exports be dedicated to coastal security funding.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the platform’s inaugural summit, which was made available to journalists in Akure, Ondo State capital, the forum resolved that Nigerian laws, including the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, should be harmonised for more efficiency in implementation.
While calling for more awareness on maritime safety and security to foster a culture of compliance with national and international laws, the forum recommended that the country take advantage of the African Integrated Border Governance Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Zone to boost cross-border trade between coastal communities and neighbouring countries.
According to the delegates from seven coastal states who attended the event, the forum marks the beginning of a multisectoral approach to tackling issues in the coastal areas.
The delegates include Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Rt Hon. Peter Odey, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele and Sir Monday Onyeme, deputy governors of Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Cross River, Ogun and Delta states, respectively, while Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos state, was represented by the permanent secretary in his office, Mrs. Mobolaji Daba.
According to the chairman of the forum and deputy governor of Bayelsa state, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the platform became necessary to rally governments of the coastal states to jointly address several issues that are peculiar to the areas.
He said, “In the coastal states, we have a peculiar problem of ocean surge that is affecting our coastal communities, and these communities are being washed away under our eyes.
“We have the issues of sea piracy and encroachment into our waterways in the name of fishing. When we talk about our people in the coastal communities, to what extent are they being taken care of, and to what extent are social amenities being provided for them and others who live around these areas?
“To what extent do they feel they are Nigerians, not citizens of Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Guinea, or Cameroon? They have an appetite we need to satisfy; that is why we have decided to gather here today.”
Opening the event, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, expressed delight at the physical presence of almost all the deputy governors of the coastal states, which he said is indicative of the seriousness attached to the issues of the coastal communities.
Eno stressed that the theme of the summit, which is ‘Enhancing the potential of International Coastal Border Communities for National and Recreational Development: The Role of Stakeholders’, has deep national security implications.
“We, as a people, continually explore ways to maintain and deepen peace with our neighbours and even our states, integrate our people living in riverine communities and provide them with essential amenities like schools, medical facilities and other essentials of life that will help them survive and continue to thrive in harmony.”
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Governor of Ondo state, Dr. Olayide Adelami, reiterated the readiness of the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration to support every development initiative and cooperate with other coastal states to address key issues affecting the areas.
While appreciating the dedication of his colleague deputy governors to the cause, Adelami charged the forum to look deeply into harnessing human and natural resources to create opportunities for the inhabitants of the coastal communities and the country as a whole.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the growth of the blue economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The summit also featured paper presentations by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who was represented by Rear Admiral D.M Ndanusa; the Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Surv. Adamu Adaji; the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo and Professor of Law, Enefiok Essien, SAN; and others.
