The Kogi State House of Assembly has called for the urgent rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Marine Police Station in Lokoja, describing its current state as deplorable and unsafe for officers.
This followed the adoption of a motion titled, “ the Urgent Need to Rehabilitate the Marine Police Station in Lokoja and Strengthen Security on Inland Waterways,” moved by the member representing Lokoja I State Constituency, Hon. Bin Ebaiya-Tijani at plenary.
Moving the motion, Ebaiya-Tijani noted that the marine police services play a vital constitutional role in safeguarding lives and property along the waterways, preventing crimes such as smuggling, piracy, human trafficking and illegal fishing.
He expressed concern that the Marine Police Station in Lokoja which serves as a major operational base for waterway security in the state, has been in a dilapidated condition for over three years.with parts of the structure already collapsed.
According to him, the poor state of the facility has hindered officers from performing their duties effectively, resulting in increased unregulated activities, security threats, and economic losses for traders and transporters who depend on river routes.
“The security and economic prosperity of Kogi State are closely tied to the effective operation of its inland waterways. The rehabilitation of the Marine Police Station in Lokoja is not just a necessity but an urgent priority,” he noted.
The lawmaker noted that Kogi’s strategic location along major inland waterways makes it a key player in trade and commerce, hence theneed to strengthen waterway security to promote investment, tourism, and economic growth.
The House on adoption of the motion, urged the Nigeria Police Force, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to collaborate with the state government to rehabilitate the facility and improve marine security operations.
It also also asked the Federal Government to provide adequate funding, modern security equipment such as speed boats, surveillance technology and communication gadgets to enhance marine police operations in the state.
