…Focuses On Enhancing Inter-Agency Collaboration And Strategic Policy Development
On Friday, September 13, 2024, the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) successfully concluded its five-day inaugural workshop on Maritime Security and the Blue Economy. The workshop, which took place at the IMION Auditorium, focused on the critical role of inter-agency collaboration in securing Nigeria’s vast maritime environment and harnessing the potential of the Blue Economy.
In his closing remarks, IMION’s Director General, Rear Admiral TC Udofia (Retired), emphasized the importance of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) and the need for stronger cooperation among national and international maritime stakeholders. He praised the participants, which included representatives from the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and other key organizations, for their dedication throughout the workshop.
Rear Admiral Udofia highlighted that the workshop aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of the Blue Economy, increase their capacity to support sustainable maritime activities, and improve compliance with environmental regulations. “The knowledge gained here will help shape sound policies that promote a safer and more secure maritime environment for the Blue Economy to thrive,” he stated.
The workshop covered a wide range of topics, including maritime infrastructure development, gender dimensions of maritime security, and coastal community engagement in maritime surveillance. Rear Admiral Udofia expressed his gratitude to Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla for his unwavering support and assured that the insights gained from the workshop would contribute to tackling maritime security challenges in Nigeria.
In closing, he thanked the staff of IMION for their efforts in organizing the workshop and wished all participants safe travels back to their respective units. He reiterated the importance of continued collaboration to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime resources and promote sustainable development.
The event marked a significant step toward addressing maritime security challenges and advancing the Blue Economy in Nigeria.