The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, officially commissioned 14 patrol gunboats on Friday, December 29, at Helms Jetty NNS Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. The initiative, aligned with the State’s Waterways Security Assets, underscores the government’s commitment to maritime security.
During the inauguration, Ogalla emphasized the significance of these boats, stating they reflect the state government’s prioritization of maritime security as a crucial element of the governor’s Arise Agenda.
Furthermore, he highlighted Governor Umo Eno’s commitment by signing a contract with the Nigerian Naval Shipyard Limited for a water transport ferry, vital for the development of the blue economy.
Governor Eno, in his remarks, affirmed the state’s determination to turn coastal areas like Oron, Eastern Obolo, Ibeno, and Ikot Abasi into tourism hubs, fostering economic growth.
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The newly inaugurated patrol gunboats are expected to curtail the activities of pirates and criminal elements, contributing to the enhancement of water transport and economic activities within the state and neighboring regions.
“It is also a reassurance of the governor’s interest in the progress of our nation, particularly security of maritime environment and economic resources,” Ogalla said.
He said: “It is also key to our local content capability because the contract was signed with the Nigerian Navy Shipyard in Port Harcourt.”
He added: “All these are keys to the governor’s Arise Agenda which is improving the welfare of the people, improving their capacity to be able to contribute to economic development instead of going to criminalities.
“We believe that the governor is a visionary leader and that is why he has seen the relevance of the blue economy in economic liberation of his people and by the liberation of Nigeria as a whole.”
“This will also boost our blueprint while improving the livelihood of the people living within the coastal communities,” Eno said.
“This initiative will improve our water transport within and between our state and neighboring states.
