Otu Reaffirms Commitment to Maritime Security
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has restated his administration’s commitment to strengthening maritime security through closer collaboration with the Amphibious Training School of the Nigerian Navy in Calabar.
Otu made the pledge when he received the Commandant of the Amphibious Training School and members of his management team during a courtesy visit to Government House, Calabar.
The governor said effective maritime security is essential for the protection of lives and property and for unlocking the economic potential of the state’s coastal resources.
He noted that Cross River, as a coastal state, depends significantly on safe waterways for trade, tourism and other economic activities, stressing that improved security on the waterways would enhance economic growth and stability.
Otu assured the naval institution of the state government’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with security agencies to ensure peace and safety across the state’s maritime environment.
He also commended the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to national security and the role the Amphibious Training School plays in training personnel for maritime and amphibious operations.
The governor added that stronger collaboration between the state government and the Navy would help improve surveillance and enhance the capacity to address emerging security threats along the waterways.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Amphibious Training School said the visit was aimed at reinforcing the existing relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the Cross River State Government.
He appreciated the continued support the school has received from the state government and expressed the institution’s willingness to work closely with the administration to promote maritime safety and security in the state.
The commandant reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and supporting initiatives that will enhance security and economic development in coastal states like Cross River.
