The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, has reiterated that stakeholders in the maritime sectors must support the navy to combat criminal activities in the maritime environment, which he said are direct threats to Nigeria’s economic life line.
Speaking Thursday at the opening session of the 2021 Chief of Naval Staff Annual Conference in Kano, the naval boss listed sea robbery, piracy, crude oil theft, poaching, human and illicit trafficking of weapons and drugs among illegalities that constitute serious challenges to the development of the country.
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He said, “Characteristically, the maritime threats have become of 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.”
Gambo said it was against this backdrop, therefore, that the theme of the conference, “Enhancing Nigeria’s Maritime Security for Improved National Prosperity,” was conceptualised to elicit proper understanding and develop strategies that will enhance collective efforts to meet present and emerging maritime challenges.
On his part, Kano state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, said the significance of the conference could best be appreciated through recognising the nexus that exists between having a secure maritime domain and socio-economic development of the nation.
He noted that aforementioned maritime crimes hinder the ability of the country to effectively explore and manage the resources and opportunities contained in the maritime sector for own economic livelihood, prosperity, peace and stability.
Daily Trust reports the CNS had on Wednesday announced the establishment of a naval base in Kano with the state governor reciprocating with the donation of 100 hectares of land for the base.
The conference, which is being held for the first time in Kano state, started with a lecture in Bayero University, Kano on Wednesday delivered by the CNS.
