Chairman, Senate Committee on Nigerian Navy, Senator Otunba Engr. Gbenga Daniel, on Wednesday, led a joint sitting of three Senate committees to address rising insecurity and criminal activities across Nigeria’s waterways.
The meeting, held at the New Senate Building, alongside the chairmen of the Senate Committees on Marine and Blue Economy, Senator Wasiu Sanni-Eshinlokun, and National Security and Intelligence, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, focused on developing practical strategies to tackle maritime crimes, including sea robbery, illegal bunkering, oil theft and kidnapping.
Speaking at the session, Daniel described maritime insecurity as a major threat to national security, economic growth and environmental sustainability, noting that it also discourages legitimate investments in the maritime sector.
While commending the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies for their efforts, the Ogun East senator stressed that military operations alone could not guarantee lasting security, calling for interventions to address poverty, unemployment, poor infrastructure and limited economic opportunities in riverine communities.
The joint committee identified improved inter-agency collaboration, modern surveillance technology, youth empowerment, stronger legislative frameworks and effective oversight as key pillars for securing the nation’s waterways.
The lawmakers agreed on the need for a comprehensive approach that combines security enforcement with community engagement and economic development.
The joint committee is expected to develop actionable recommendations for consideration by the National Assembly.
