Gov Wike commends Naval for measures to check oil theft
The governor also added that the state government will provide logistics support to the Nigerian Navy in the operation of the 25 Epenal Security Boats acquired for the NNS Pathfinder, Port Harcourt.
Speaking during the
launching of the 25 Epenal Security Boats at the NNS Pathfinder on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said
that security in the waterways will help in the acceleration of development in the Niger Delta.
He said that the
local construction of the
Epenal Security Boats has helped
in the creation of jobs in the country and the improvement of
the capacity of
Nigerian Ship manufacturers.
He said: "The Rivers State Government is happy with the Naval High Command for deploying these boats to this region. It will
help in reducing oil theft. This will in turn have a positive impact
on our economy.
"These boats will also check violent crimes in the creeks and improve the
standard of living of our people. The Rivers State Government will
provide logistics support in the operation of
the boats".
While commending
the Federal Government for the
measures taken to improve
the operational capacity of
the military, Governor Wike
stated that the state government
will always cooperate with the
armed forces on Security matters.
In his remarks, the
Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel
Olonisakin said the decision
of the Navy to commission an indigenous
company to produce the boats will
develop the required
indigenous capacity for the
manufacture of defence equipment.
He said the country
was passing through challenging times in terms of security management,
noting that the
deployment of the
additional 25 boats will help the
navy.
Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok
Ibas said it is the first time security
boats are being produced locally. He said that the production is half the cost of importing the security
boats.
He said that the
boats have the required security features
to deter criminals in the
waterways.
The Managing Director of Epenal Group, Mr Lele Aaron
said it is in the best interest of the country to encourage
local ship manufacturers for the
creation of jobs and capacity.
Highpoint of the
programme was the introduction of the boats to the waterways.
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