Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has called for regional integration among countries within the Gulf of Guinea in order to protect the coastal areas and ensure adequate safety of lives and facilities within the maritime sector of the region.
The governor said this on Tuesday at the opening session of the Offshore Patrol Vessels, Africa, held in Lagos.
Ambode explained that the maritime sector remained a critical factor towards achieving economic prosperity for the region, adding that unless there was a regional collaboration between stakeholders in the region, the full benefit and opportunities that abound in the sector could not be achieved.
He said Lagos, being the host city of the busiest port within the region, was concerned about the activities of criminal elements and the threats their activities posed to the region.
He added that the Lagos State Government, as a responsible government, as ready to partner with relevant government agencies and other concerned stakeholders to put an end to the challenge.
“Nigeria, as a country with the largest economy in Africa, must take the lead and a launch a proactive measure to put a stop to these criminal activities as this is germane to our socio-economic growth.
“We are aware of the strategic role Lagos State plays, harbouring the largest port and maritime activities in the West African sub region. As a government, we are ready to partner and offer necessary support to put an end to this menace,” he said.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule, enjoined participants and other resource persons at the conference to come up with useful suggestions and enduring measures that would put a stop to the illicit activities of criminals in the maritime subsector.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, told the gathering that the Offshore Patrol Vessel conference for Africa, the second in the series, was another platform created by stakeholders in the maritime industry to address the challenges and threats confronting the sector.
Ibas said Africa’s maritime domain was a strategic economic platform with enormous potential.
He however noted that these potential had some threats, ranging from piracy, sea robbery, drug and human trafficking as well as worrisome pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft that have continued to challenge the smooth operation of lawful business operations in the sector.
The Naval chief believed that these threats were not insurmountable, arguing that the conference was holding where constructive, sustainable and holistic measures could be discussed and deployed towards a safe and secured maritime industry.
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