The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for stronger, coordinated security operations along Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways, emphasizing a strategic alliance with the Nigeria Police Force to protect the nation’s growing blue economy.
Oyetola made the call on Thursday in Abuja while hosting the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, who paid a courtesy visit following his recent appointment.
During the meeting, both leaders discussed ways to deepen institutional collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Police Force.
They highlighted the critical role of enhanced surveillance, intelligence sharing, and joint enforcement operations in safeguarding Nigeria’s marine and inland waterways.
Describing Disu’s appointment as well deserved, Oyetola expressed confidence in the IGP’s ability to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
He stressed that the maritime sector requires focused operational attention due to its growing role in economic diversification, trade facilitation, and job creation.
According to the minister, seamless inter-agency cooperation is vital for protecting maritime assets and ensuring the country’s waters remain secure and investment-friendly.
“The maritime sector holds enormous promise for economic diversification and employment generation,” Oyetola said.
“However, to unlock its full potential, we must guarantee safety and order across our coastal and inland waterways through coordinated operations and effective collaboration among all relevant security agencies.”
Oyetola also cautioned that illegal activities such as smuggling, piracy, oil theft, and other transnational crimes pose a threat not only to national security but also to investor confidence in the blue economy.
In response, IGP Disu assured the minister of the Police Force’s readiness to bolster operational support for maritime security initiatives.
He emphasized that the Force would strengthen intelligence-led policing, patrols, and enforcement operations targeting criminal networks within Nigeria’s waterways.
Disu reaffirmed the Police’s commitment to collaborating with ministries and agencies whose work intersects with national security and economic growth, noting that maritime security is crucial to the country’s prosperity.
Both leaders agreed to institutionalize regular strategic dialogue and operational coordination mechanisms to enhance surveillance coverage, rapid response, and information sharing among agencies operating in Nigeria’s marine and coastal environments.
