By Philip Nwosu
The Navy has handed over some boats built by the Naval Dockyard Limited to Lagos and Akwa Ibom states.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, said the boats would help the states curb national security threats such as Illegal Unreported Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) in the maritime domain and boost food security.
Ogalla who spoke during the handover of six glass reinforced plastic riverine boats manufactured for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development by the Naval Dockyard Limited, said the boats would be used to access riverine communities to monitor and support agricultural activities.
“These boats are part of the first steps the Nigerian Navy has made towards indigenising ship construction and maintenance. The vessels are primarily tailored to effectively serve the ministry’s need in reaching coastal maritime communities and boosting agriculture and food production.”
Ogalla explained that the occasion was symbolic as it underscored the strength and importance of collaboration between government agencies.
“In this case, it is the Ministry of Defence and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture implementing policies and programmes of the central government to ensure overall prosperity of society. The collaborative relationship between the navy and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture can be emulated; it enables agencies of government to work together seamlessly to enhance national security.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the boats would facilitate fisheries monitoring, surveillance, collection of and production of data and consequently aid the elimination of IUUF. Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Gboyega Soyanwo, he said the IUUF was a major threat to the nation’s fisheries resource.
“These illegal activities do not only disrupt fish biodiversity in the state’s aquatic ecosystem, it also adversely affects the livelihood of more than 150,000 fisher-folks operating in 325 artisanal fishing communities.This subsector of fisheries currently contributes 177,459 tons of fish representing about 85 per cent of the annual fish production of Lagos State. The vessels received today will make it possible for us to actively monitor the waters and take swift action against those who seek to exploit our marine resources unlawfully,” he said.
He added that the boats would also facilitate the collection of fisheries data which are essential for planning, design, and implementation of appropriate interventions to develop artisanal fisheries in the state.