Akwa Ibom Plans Naval Base To Secure Coastal Communities, Waterways

The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to establish a naval base at Stubb Creek Forest Reserve to strengthen security along its coastline and protect waterways as it seeks to diversify its oil-dependent economy through the blue economy.

The Commissioner for Internal Security, General Koko Essien (retd.), disclosed this during the ongoing ministerial media briefing by ministries, departments and agencies at Government House, Uyo.

He explained that the proposed naval base would help secure waterways and creeks along the Gulf of Guinea corridor.

“Every community has needs. The government is planning a lot for Stubb Creek, but first will be the establishment of a naval base in Stubb Creek,” Essien said.

The plan comes amid security concerns in coastal oil-bearing communities, including Eket, Oron, Eastern Obolo and Ibeno, where residents have continued to seek government intervention to address challenges affecting riverine communities.

Essien also disclosed that the Nigerian Army would establish a new battalion at Urue Offong Oruko, while the proposed naval base would complement existing security operations across the state’s waterways.

According to him, the state government has acquired 14 gunboats to strengthen maritime security and complement existing federal security assets.

He added that the government had procured 17 patrol vehicles, deployed largely to the police, to improve security operations across the state.

On other security initiatives, Essien said the government was working with the Federal Ministry of Interior to relocate the correctional centre on Wellington Bassey Way to Nung Ukim, Ikono, noting that land had been secured for the project.

He also announced plans to establish a police division along Banking Layout, Udoma Udo Road, while preparations for the proposed state police system were ongoing, subject to the completion of the necessary legislative process.

The commissioner said the government had established a Security Trust Fund chaired by Paul Usoro, SAN, to support security initiatives, urging individuals and organisations to contribute to the fund.

On the Ibom Community Watch, Essien dismissed concerns over unpaid salaries, insisting that members were paid when due.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Anthony Luke, said the state government planned to remove all illegal motor parks before Christmas to improve security visibility and boost revenue.

Luke also commended Governor Umo Eno for introducing an automated ticketing system for transport operators, saying the initiative had helped strengthen the state’s revenue base.