Sunny Edemenang – Uyo
Coastal states under the aegis of Nigerian International Coastal Boarder Platform converged in Uyo, the Akwa State capital to iron out issues bordering on security, blue economy, climate change and international trade.
The summit was declared opened by the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno PhD on the theme; ‘Enhancing the potential of International Coastal Border Communities for National and Recreational Development: The Role of Stakeholders’, recorded attendance of Deputy 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.
Speaking during the occasion, governor Umo Eno noted the deep national security implications of the summit as a
“product of deep thought occasioned by recommendations from the African Union on Integrated Border Governance Strategy and the AU Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation signed in March 2022″.
He warned that Nigeria’s coastal communities are “inextricably linked with neighbouring countries,” and if not properly managed through bilateral treaties or existing legal instruments, border issues may exacerbate tensions around our border communities”.
While expressing delight on the seriousness attached to this issue by the attendance of literally all the Deputy Governors of the coastal states, the governor therefore called for ways to maintain and deepen peace with the neighboring countries and integrate our people living in riverine communities by providing them with essential amenities like schools, medical facilities and other essentials of life that will help them survive and continue to thrive in harmony.
Eno described the inaugural event as “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.”
He used the summit to highlight his administration’s investments under the ARISE Agenda in maritime security, including the creation of Nigeria’s first standalone Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, headed by a retired Nigerian Army General. Navy with patrol boats to help in our waterways, nothing that the joint maritime task force has reduced to negligible proportions the incidents of kidnapping, sea robbery, pipeline vandalism, and other sea crimes.
Other areas include “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”.
According to the governor, “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”.
The Governor lamented the plight of most coastal communities, saying that “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,” cautioning that, “We must protect our communities and also assuage the effect of climate change”.
After extensive deliberations, the Summit rounded off with a ten-points communique as follows:
1. That all Nigerian laws, including the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, should be harmonized for more efficiency in implementation.
2. Establishment of a workable Community Surveillance And Intelligence Sharing Framework in all coastal security operations and strengthen the role of local security committees, involving traditional rulers, women leaders, youth groups, and religious bodies.
3. The need for awareness on Maritime Safety and Security, to foster a culture of Compliance with National and International Laws.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Dedication of a percentage of revenue from maritime taxes and crude oil exports to coastal security funding.
7. Investing in Maritime Transport Services to stimulate economic activities between coastal communities and neighbouring countries.
8. Integrate climate change resilience in Maritime Border Policies.
9. Increase provision of Social Infrastructure in Coastal Communities.
10. Establishment of a cross-border platform for regular engagement between coastal communities and neighbouring countries.
