Coastal communities in Nigeria have called on relevant authorities to advocate for the dedication of a percentage of revenue from maritime taxes and crude oil exports to fund coastal security, saying that it would aid the suppression of piracy and other maritime offences.
Coming under the aegis of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform, the states comprising Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, Ondo and Lagos State 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 Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, stressed the need for awareness on maritime safety and security.
According to the platform, 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.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Doubara Atasi, the weekend, 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.
It said: “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”.
Declaring the summit opened, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor 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, including 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, (SAN), among others, listed several benefits of effective management of the coastal border of the country.
