Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Wednesday, called on the Nigerian Navy to strengthen its operational efficiency in ensuring that piracy and other unwholesome activities were nipped in the bud in the maritime sector of the nation’s economy.
Okowa made the call when he received the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo and his delegation at Government House, Asaba.
The Governor, who said that he was impressed with the operational performance index of naval personnel in the state, said with sustained surveillance and peace, Delta as a coastal state will increase its contribution in crude oil production to the national treasury.
“I welcome you to Delta State. I want to thank you also for this visit. There is no doubt that Delta State is a very important coastal state, particularly because, it is a major producer of crude oil in our nation.
“I want to thank the Navy for the effort they have put in consistently in helping to secure our state and even working with other sister security agencies in securing even our lands.
“So, we want to appreciate you for the good work you are doing in the state. We are aware that you work with a lot of our people who assist in area of intelligence in being able to carry out your various surveillance activities.
“We are also grateful to the officers you have sent to us. They have been quite helpful and committed to their works both on land and in waters,” he said.
He assured the Chief of Naval Staff that his administration would continue to assist in making the job of Naval personnel both on land and in water easier through the provision of logistics, emphasising that the synergy among various security agencies has yielded positive results.
On the Admiralty University, Ibusa, the Governor thanked the navy for bringing the institution to the state, stressing that his administration would contribute towards the growth of the university.
Earlier, Vice Admiral Gambo said he was in Delta to familiarise with the state and to also, build on the existing cordial relationship between the Delta State Government and the navy.
Gambo said the Nigerian Navy was committed to the safety of the maritime space especially in ensuring that piracy and crude oil theft were stamped out from the maritime sector.
He disclosed that legitimate socio-economic activities will thrive as a result of the security that was being provided both on water and land in active collaboration with other sister security agencies.