By Philip Nwosu
The Nigerian Navy said on Monday that for Nigeria to realise the full potential of the Blue Economy, the problems of maritime security must be addressed.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who made the pronouncement at the median edition of the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria workshop, said the objectives of the Blue Economy objectives in Nigeria hinge on sustained maritime security in the country.
Admiral Ogalla, who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Doctrine and Assessment Command, Rear Admiral Habila Zakaria, said “Crimes such as Piracy, Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing, Crude Oil Theft and other transnational crimes threaten the prosperity of the maritime sector.
The Navy Chief said that ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s maritime domain remains critical for the success of the Blue Economy as well as the overall well-being of Nigerians, adding that
“This can only be achieved through collaboration, shared knowledge and integration of modern technologies that can be used to effectively combat maritime crimes while promoting sustainable economic activities.”
The CNS said that Nigeria’s maritime environment was no doubt, rich with resources ranging from oil and gas to fisheries and several opportunities for economic prosperity.
“The sustainable use of these resources for improved livelihoods and national economic growth offers immense potential for the Blue Economy.
“This will provide possibilities for Nigeria to diversify its economy, boost foreign exchange earnings and create jobs for millions of Nigerians,” he said.
Ogalla said that the workshop would offer an avenue for maritime experts, government, and other stakeholders to brainstorm innovative solutions to the maritime challenges for the enhanced Blue Economy of Nigeria.
“I encourage you all to think critically and bring to the fore, strategies that will ensure a secured maritime domain and unlock the boundless opportunities of the Blue Economy of Nigeria,” the CNS said.
He congratulated the Director-General of the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria, Rear Adm. Thaddeus Udofia (retd) and his team, as well as their partner Sequential Development Solutions for organising the workshop.
Daily Sun learnt that the Institute will focus on the discourse of thematic areas such as maritime & ocean governance, maritime security, law enforcement, hydrography, blue economy, climate change, among others.
The institute, according to Rear Admiral Udofia (retd), was inaugurated in June 2024 and is primarily focused on maritime research and benchmarking and ensuring collaboration and partnership with stakeholders within the maritime area both in Nigeria and abroad.