NIGERIA’S rich flora and fauna aquaculture have continued to translate to huge socioeconomic gains for the country, all thanks to the dexterity, commitment and patriotic zeal of the Nigerian Navy.
Giving this commendation recently was a cross-section of experts while reflecting on the role of the Nigerian Navy since its inception.
The occasion was at a public forum to commemorate Nigerian Navy’s 66th anniversary as custodians of the nation’s waterways.
The event which was a weeklong celebration reflected both the outstanding revolutions witnessed by the service in the past 66 years and its leadership role in regional maritime security was heralded with an International Maritime Conference tagged: ‘Optimising Collaboration for Maritime Security and Socio-Economic Development in Africa’, a regional maritime exercise held in Onne, Rivers State.
This was in addition to a cultural night, sports competitions (polo and golf), boat regatta, religious services as well as medical outreach.
During the anniversary, and at the opening ceremony of the International Maritime Conference, President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged the role of the Navy as the lead agency in the country’s maritime sector, saying that the establishment has developed into a big force to be reckoned with in the global naval community.
Hitherto known as the Nigerian Marines the nation’s Navy has experienced a very interesting trajectory in the past six decades with remarkable reforms and transformations that have seen it emerge as the largest naval establishment in Africa.
From Captain Francis William Skutil, the pioneer Chief of Naval Staff who headed the service (1956-1958) through Vice-Admiral Victor Ombu who was in charge when Nigeria transited from military rule to the current democratic dispensation, till the current command, manned by Vice-Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, who took over the reins last year, the NN has not lacked quality leadership and the courage to dare. And the events of the last two years speak eloquently of the service’s commitment to safety of the country’s waterways.
According to the duo of Kelvin Igho Kagbare, Olayinka Ajayi, both maritime experts, the modest feats achieved thus far can be attributed to the relentless efforts and innovative methodologies of the Navy to improving security along the coastline, and most importantly the positive impact of the delisting on the country’s maritime sector and improved confidence in Nigeria’s security apparatus, especially in the international community.
Specifically, in March, the efforts of the service to achieve safer waterways were rewarded as the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) announced the removal of Nigeria from its list of piracy-prone countries. The declaration was not an off-the-shelf item. It followed dogged multi-agency approach with the NN playing a lead role.
While expressing the decision of the IMB on behalf of Vice-Admiral Gambo, the Chief of Policy and Plans of NN, Rear Admiral Saidu Garba, said: “This noble achievement was complemented by the International Maritime Bureau Global Piracy Report of July 14, 2021, which indicated the lowest number of piracy and sea robbery against ships in our waters in 27 years. The report was corroborated by the Defence Web, which noted a further decline in reported cases of piracy and armed attacks against shipping in Nigerian waters.
“I am pleased to notify you that the latest International Maritime Bureau Report of March 3, 2022 shows that Nigeria has exited the IMB Piracy List. This means that Nigeria is no longer on the list of piracy-prone countries. The consequences are enormous and positive for the shipping industry, general maritime commerce and the national economy.”