•Convenes stakeholders’ meeting
Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, yesterday, said the Nigerian Navy under his leadership had emplaced policies and conducted operations aimed at boosting crude oil production as well as curbing oil theft.
Ogalla spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting he convened at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja to chart the way forward for the maritime sector.
He said the meeting would focus on addressing some pertinent concerns that would strengthen partnerships and working relationships between the navy and major stakeholders.
“Under my leadership, I have steered the Nigerian Navy towards ensuring maritime security by conducting several operations and emplacing policies aimed at boosting crude oil production and curbing the menace of oil theft,” he said.
He stated that the stakeholders’ meeting was called with the understanding that collective efforts of the players in the sector was imperative in order to move the sector forward.
“Owing to the fact that the collective effort of our maritime stakeholders is required to create a conducive environment for increased oil production and maritime economic activities, the Nigerian Navy has deemed it necessary to call this all important stakeholders meeting,” he said.
Ogalla said the Navy had recorded successes through various operations and bilateral engagements to attain its strategic goals.
“In realisation of the need to consolidate on gains recorded in our various operations, we have deemed it imperative for us all to jointly look at the salient issues bothering on maritime security, ease of doing maritime businesses and observance of operational procedures among others, for enhanced national security and economic prosperity,” he said.
The naval chief said the meeting was one of the regular engagements with the Nigerian Navy aimed at fostering common understanding, synergy and mutual trust among maritime stakeholders.
He noted further that the meeting would focus on addressing some pertinent concerns that would strengthen partnerships in order to engender optimal benefits from the maritime environment and foster the nation’s blue economy for Nigeria’s national development.
“With the crop of sound and progressive minds present at this meeting today, I am optimistic that our deliberations will advance our common comprehension of what is required of us all to contribute meaningfully towards realising the objectives of the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.
“It is my expectation that this meeting will bring about renewed action and a reaffirmation of our commitment to jointly protect our maritime domain.
“I am hopeful that we will leave here not with words, but with strategies that will assist us in securing a prosperous maritime future for Nigeria.
“Together, we shall evolve approaches that leave no loophole for the criminal elements and economic saboteurs to exploit.
“So, as we deliberate, I urge you to air your views freely and let sustainable solutions be forged in our shared experiences,” he said.
