Historic Summit Unites Nigerian Coastal States In Bold New Drive To Crush Piracy, Advocate Harmonization Of Maritime Laws

By Roland Ekama

 

In a landmark gathering that promises to reshape Nigeria’s coastal security and economic landscape, the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform has advocated for the harmonization of maritime laws

Th platform held its inaugural summit in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Friday, 8th August 2025. With Deputy Governors from nearly all member states in attendance and the event officially opened by Governor Umo Eno, who unveiled a sweeping action plan to harmonize maritime laws, bolster security, protect fragile coastal ecosystems, and turbocharge trade across borders.

The stakes have never been higher as these states unite to turn the tide against piracy, environmental threats, and economic marginalization for millions of Nigerians along the coast..

The Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform expressed its commitment to driving sustainable maritime security and development for the prosperity of Nigeria’s coastal states and communities.

According to a communique , issued on behalf of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform was signed by Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor, Bayelsa State / Chairman of the Platform,
Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom State, Sir Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor, Delta State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, FNSE, Deputy Governor, Ogun State,
Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami, mni, Deputy Governor, Ondo State and Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD, Deputy Governor, Cross River State, and
Mrs. Daba Mololaji M., Representative of Deputy Governor, Lagos State

The summit witnessed the attendance of the Deputy Governors from all member states, with the exception of Rivers State, and was officially opened by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, PhD.

The statement also revealed that the Platform has as Chairman, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and other members of the platform, key coastal security and development issues were extensively deliberated upon. Following these discussions, the summit resolved as follows:
Harmonization of all Nigerian maritime laws, including the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, to enhance enforcement efficiency.

Establishment of a Community Surveillance and Intelligence Sharing Framework in all coastal security operations, strengthening local security committees through the active involvement of traditional rulers, women leaders, youth groups, and religious organizations.

Promotion of Maritime Safety and Security awareness to cultivate compliance with national and international maritime laws.

Advocacy for a healthy maritime environment and effective maritime border governance to combat pollution, protect mangroves, and prevent environmental degradation that threatens economic stability and security.

Leveraging the African Integrated Border Governance Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost cross-border trade between coastal communities and neighboring countries.

Allocation of a dedicated percentage of revenue from maritime taxes and crude oil exports to fund coastal security initiatives.

Investment in maritime transport services to stimulate economic activities between coastal communities and neighboring countries.

Integration of climate change resilience measures into maritime border policies.

Increased provision of social infrastructure within coastal communities.

Creation of a cross-border platform for regular engagement and collaboration between coastal communities and neighboring countries.