In a bold move to strengthen security across the waterways and improve cross-border trade between Nigeria’s coastal communities and neighbouring countries, seven states have advocated harmonized maritime laws.

The coastal states, which came together under the aegis of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform are Ondo, Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa. Governors of the states met at the weekend in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

In a communiqué at the end of their inaugural summit, held at Ceedapeg Hotel, the forum resolved that all Nigerian laws, including the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, should be harmonized for greater efficiency in implementation. Consequently, the body called for more awareness on maritime safety and security to foster a culture of compliance with national and international laws.

It also recommended that Nigeria takes advantage of the African Integrated Border Governance Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost cross-border trade between coastal communities and neighbouring countries.

The forum demanded that a percentage of revenue from maritime taxes and crude oil exports be dedicated to coastal security funding.

In most states of the federation, border matters are usually coordinated from the office of the deputy governor.

The summit marked the beginning of a multisectoral approach to tackling issues in coastal areas. Among delegates from the coastal states at the event were Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Honourable Peter Odey, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and Sir Monday Onyeme, as well as the deputy governors of Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Cross River, Ogun, and Delta States. The deputy governor of Lagos, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, 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, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the platform became necessary to rally the governments of the coastal states to jointly address several issues 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, 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, Benin republic, Ghana and Cameroon. So, they have an appetite that we need to satisfy and that is why we have decided to gather here today.”

In his opening address, Governor Umo Eno expressed delight at the physical presence of almost all the deputy governors of the coastal states, which he said was indicative of the seriousness attached to the issues of the coastal communities.

Eno said the theme of the summit, 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 must continually explore ways to maintain and deepen peace with our neighboring countries 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,” he stated.

In his goodwill message, Ondo deputy governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, reiterated the readiness of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led government 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, Dr. 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; and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo and Professor of Law, Enefiok Essien, SAN, among others. (Nigerian Tribune)