The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno has declared open the inaugural Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform Summit in Uyo, with a call for stronger cooperation to boost coastal border security, protect Nigeria’s coastal communities, develop the blue economy, and protect communities from climate change impacts.
Governor Eno said the inaugural event is “a clear demonstration of the inclusive and dedicated work our Deputy Governor, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, has been carrying out to address critical coastal and border-related issues.”
The Governor explained that the summit, themed “Enhancing the Potential of International Coastal Border Communities for National and Recreational Development. The Role of Stakeholders,” aligns with the African Union Integrated Border Governance Strategy and the AU Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation signed in March 2022.
“The platform is a product of deep thought occasioned by recommendations from the African Union,” he stated. “Its objectives have deep national security implications, and I am glad to see the seriousness attached to this issue by the attendance of literally all the Deputy Governors of the coastal states.”
Properly managed
Welcoming Dignitaries, Security Chiefs, Traditional Rulers, and participating Stakeholders from across the country,Governor Eno noted that Nigeria’s coastal platforms are “inextricably linked with neighbouring countries,” stressing that “if not properly managed through bilateral treaties or existing legal instruments, border issues may exacerbate tensions around our border communities.”
According to him, the initiative holds “deep national security implications” and supports Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening coastal border management while advancing the blue economy; adding that the strong participation of Deputy Governors from all coastal states underscores the urgency and significance of the summit’s mission.
He called for the integration of border communities into national development plans, ensuring they have “essential amenities, schools, medical facilities, and other basic essentials of life that will help them survive and then continue to thrive in harmony.”
Investments in maritime
Highlighting Akwa Ibom’s initiatives, he said: The Governor outlined his administration’s investments in maritime security, including the creation of Nigeria’s first standalone Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, headed by a retired Nigerian Army General.
“We have set up the first standalone Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, headed by a retired General of the Nigerian Army. We have supported the Nigerian Navy with patrol boats to help in our waterways, and the joint maritime task force has reduced to negligible proportions the incidents of kidnapping, sea robbery, pipeline vandalism, and other sea crimes.”
The Governor further spotlighted the State’s multi-billion naira maritime infrastructure project in Oron, which includes shore protection, terminal buildings, two passenger ferry boats, warehouses, cold rooms, cargo and passenger jetties, a recreational garden, and a Nigerian Navy security outpost.
“We are empowering our fishing communities because they are very critical to the development of our blue economy, which is one of the key areas of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration,” he said.
Eno said, “We have supported the Nigerian Navy with patrol boats to help in our waterways,” adding that “This joint maritime task force has reduced to negligible proportions the incidents of kidnapping, sea robbery, pipeline vandalism, and other sea crimes.”
He also aligned the government’s efforts to the National development strategy saying:
“We are empowering our fishing communities because they are very critical to the development of our blue economy, which is one of the key areas of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.”
Addressing the threat of rising sea levels, Governor Eno drew on lessons from the recent Ocean Rights Conference in Nice, France, which he attended alongside governors from Bayelsa and Lagos States.
“Most communities are being washed away. I believe we can do something to save these communities before they are completely wiped out by ocean rise,” he emphasised. “We must protect our communities and also assuage the effect of climate change,” he cautioned
Governor Eno, also applauded the presence of dignitaries, security commanders, traditional rulers, and participants from across Nigeria, noting that their attendance reflects the national importance of coastal border security and development.
Actionable strategies
Declaring the Summit open, Governor Eno expressed optimism that the summit’s deliberations would lead to actionable strategies for border security, economic growth, and climate resilience.
“I am sure the deliberations of this summit will help deepen the work you are all doing on border issues. On behalf of all the governors of the coastal states of this nation, I declare this summit open,” he stated
The summit has in attendance, Deputy Governors and Representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, Ondo States, Service Commanders, Royal Fathers, Federal Commissioners, Local Government Leaders, Captains of Industry, and Representatives of sociocultural groups.
Lateefah Ibrahim