Port Harcourt, Rivers State - In a high-stakes meeting critical to Nigeria's economy, the Nigerian Navy and the Rivers State Government have pledged to intensify their collaboration to safeguard the nation's vital oil and gas assets and protect lives across the state.
The commitment was the highlight of the visit by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday.
Fubara's Urgent Call for National Unity
Governor Fubara used the platform of the CNS's visit to issue a powerful, urgent appeal to all Nigerians: the time has come to unite and defeat the rising tide of terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes that are now threatening the very foundation and existence of the country.
“With the country now overwhelmed by security challenges, Nigerians, now more than ever, need to unite to defeat the evil that’s now threatening the country’s existence,” Governor Fubara emphasized.
Naval Focus on "Treasure Base" Security
Rivers State, affectionately known as the ‘Treasure Base of the Nation,’ is home to countless national assets, generating over 40% of Nigeria's oil revenue. This makes the security of its coastal areas paramount to the entire national economy.
Vice Admiral Abbas, an above-water warfare specialist with a background in anti-piracy operations, was in the state as part of his vision to ascertain the operational readiness and effectiveness of all naval units under his command.
A key part of the Navy's reinforced mandate will be to:
Tighten security on the waterways.
Crack down on oil theft and illegal bunkering.
Combat piracy along the coastlines.
The CNS, the 25th to hold the office, appreciated the Rivers State Government for its "numerous supports" to the Navy over the years. In turn, Governor Fubara assured the Navy boss of the administration's unwavering commitment to providing all necessary support to security agencies.
The new synergy signals a significant push to ensure stability in the waterways, which are critical arteries for the nation's energy sector.
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