Niger Delta
Bayelsa D’Gov, Others Want Harmonized Maritime Laws
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and other stakeholders have stressed the need for awareness on maritime safety and security.
Coming under the aegis of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform, stakeholders from the states comprising Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, Ondo and Lagos, also called for the establishment of a workable community surveillance and intelligence sharing framework in all coastal security operations.
Presenting a 10-point communique at the end of its inaugural summit in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Chairman of the platform and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Ewhrudjakpo and other stakeholders also called on relevant authorities to expedite the harmonization of all maritime laws, including the Suppression of Privacy and Oher Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act to ensure better implementation.
The platform noted that such awareness will not only foster a culture of compliance with national and international laws, but also help the country to optimally harness its potential in the blue economy.
A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Mr. Doubara Atasi, said the Platform also advocated dedication of a percentage of revenue from maritime taxes and crude oil exports to coastal security funding.
The group also called for investments in maritime transport services to stimulate economic activities between coastal communities bordering the Atlantic Ocean and neighbouring countries.
“The need for a healthy maritime environment and effective maritime border governance to combat pollution, protect mangroves and prevent degradation that could lead to economic hardship and insecurity.
“Taking 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.
“Integrate climate change resilience on Maritime Border policies; increase provision of social infrastructure in coastal communities; establishment of a cross-border platform for regular engagement between coastal communities and neighbouring countries”, the Platform stated.
Declaring the summit open, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno, commended the deputy governors forming the Platform, noting that there are lots of challenges facing Nigeria’s coastal states, which must be addressed.
On his part, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, expressed optimism that the activities of the Platform will not only foster border governance, but also proffer solutions to disputes along coastal boundaries.
Others who spoke at the summit include the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Director-General of National Boundary Commission, Surv. Adamu Adaji; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogana; Prof. Enefiok Essien, all of who listed several benefits of effective management of the coastal border of the country.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa