NIGERIA, CALABAR – The Cross River State government is enhancing its partnership with marine transport operators to bolster security and safety on the state’s waterways.
This commitment was underscored during an inspection and facility tour of Abitto Ferry Logistics at the Marina Resort in Calabar.
The visit was led by the State Security Adviser (South), retired Navy Commander Patrick Odiong, and the Special Adviser on Marine Services, Captain Otu Ita.
According to Nsa Gill, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the visit aligns with the state’s security policy and the directive of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, to safeguard the waterways.
He stated that the governor has mandated that all marine operators in the southern senatorial district undergo screening and collaborate with the government to enhance security measures.
Odiong emphasized that the state remains firm in its resolve to rid its waterways of criminal activities, including sea militancy and kidnapping.
“Our goal is to make the waterways safe and attractive for investors, especially as we are working towards the Bakassi Deep Seaport project.
In that light, we came to Abitto Services to understand their security plan and challenges, particularly as they ferry passengers between Calabar and Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships, the security adviser assured marine operators that they would receive the necessary support to ensure a secure operating environment.
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Speaking on the need for adherence to safety protocols, the Special Adviser on Marine Services, Captain Otu Ita, stressed that marine transporters must comply with international security and safety standards.
“We are here for a spot assessment to evaluate how Abitto Ferry Logistics conducts its operations in terms of security and safety,” Ita said.
He further emphasized the importance of compliance with the ISO 2010 safety standards, including the use of life jackets and proper passenger profiling through manifests.
“Water transportation is crucial to Cross River State, and we want to ensure that operators are up to standard, ensuring that no criminal elements exploit our waterways for illegal activities,” Ita warned.
Gill reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and business-friendly maritime sector, adding that engagements with stakeholders will continue to improve waterway safety.C’River Acting Governor Backs Tinubu’s State of Emergency In Rivers, Rejects…