The Commissioner of Police overseeing the Port Harcourt Port, Mr. Moshood Jimoh, has emphasized the pivotal role of security in safeguarding national assets and fostering a sustainable blue economy. Speaking at the “Advancing Global Logistics in the Blue Economy” conference organized by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (COMJAN) on Thursday, November 21, Jimoh called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to protect the country’s marine resources.
The event, held in Port Harcourt, brought together key players in the maritime sector to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s marine economy. Represented by Assistant Commissioner Remy Obirieze, the Commissioner highlighted the police force’s achievements in combating criminal activities, including the arrest and prosecution of suspects involved in port vandalism. He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to working alongside sister agencies to form a united front against threats to the nation’s seaports.
“We will continue to harness our strengths and collaborate with other agencies to build a formidable force against vandals and criminal elements targeting our seaports,” Jimoh stated.
Adding his voice, Mr. Mustapha Hashim, Area 1 Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), praised COMJAN for organizing the conference, which he described as a catalyst for fostering synergy among maritime stakeholders. Represented by Deputy Comptroller Ezenwa Ifeyinwa, Hashim reiterated the NCS’s commitment to bridging the gap between policymakers and maritime business operators, enhancing the ease of doing business in the sector.
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In a related development, Mr. Anselm Okechuku, Chairman of the Onne chapter of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), called for urgent federal intervention to improve road infrastructure at Eastern ports. Highlighting the deteriorating condition of the FOT roundabout linking Onne Port, which he described as a “deathtrap,” Okechuku urged immediate rehabilitation to prevent accidents and enhance access. He also applauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its seamless documentation processes, emphasizing the need for complementary infrastructural support.
Meanwhile, COMJAN President Mr. Ralph John encouraged the business community to harness the untapped potential of the blue economy. He pointed out its significant role in boosting the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and urged stakeholders to adopt innovative strategies to drive growth in the sector.
