The Commandant, Naval War College, Nigeria, Mohammed Muye, has said Nigeria must integrate security governance to effectively tackle maritime threats to achieve economic growth.

Mr Muye spoke on Thursday while delivering the 9th Public Lecture of the Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA), University of Calabar (UniCal). 

The lecture’s theme was ‘Coastal Insecurity and National Development.’

The commandant said that addressing maritime challenges required patience, civility and sustained collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, coastal communities and other stakeholders.

According to him, stronger coastal community engagement, improved operational capacity of the Nigerian Navy and relevant government agencies remain essential to combating maritime crimes.

He also advocated stronger regional cooperation within the Gulf of Guinea and deliberate promotion of the blue economy to enhance security and national development.

The chairman of the occasion, Asuquo Ekpenyong, represented by Uti Egbai of the Faculty of Art, University of  Calabar, described maritime insecurity as a major national concern requiring urgent and coordinated action.

Mr Ekpenyong commended the organisers for the timely lecture and urged the navy to intensify efforts toward identifying threats and safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways.

The UNICAL Vice-Chancellor, Offiong Efanga Offiong, called for stronger partnerships and increased public awareness to curb coastal insecurity across the country.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaborations, Anthony Enegi, Mr Offiong identified kidnapping, smuggling, sea robbery and crude oil theft as persistent coastal challenges.

“Coastal insecurity is a longstanding national problem. I urge governments, institutions and citizens to collectively protect Nigeria’s maritime environment,” he said.

The Director of IPPA, Grace Reuben Etuk, appreciated participants, saying the impressive attendance reflected growing concern over the security of Nigeria’s waterways.

Ms Etuk said that Nigeria’s economy depended significantly on the blue economy, adding that the nation’s coastal waters provide livelihoods for millions and deserve greater protection. 

(NAN)