The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, vowed to eradicate oil theft completely in the country in order to increase the contribution of maritime to the blue economy. He also called for the establishment of special courts dedicated to maritime crimes, pointing out that such would lead to more effective and efficient justice delivery and eradicate insecurity.

The naval chief made the calls while delivering the third distinguished personality lecture of the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS), University of Ibadan.

The lecture, with the theme: “Role of the Nigerian Navy in Combating Maritime Crimes and Advancing Nigeria’s Blue Economy”, took place at Senator Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre, UI, Ibadan. He also disclosed that there has been no piracy in Nigeria since 2023.

In his remarks, the Senate Committee Chairman of the Nigerian Navy, Otunba Gbenga Daniel who was the chairman of the occasion was represented by Gen. Olumuyiwa Okunnowo, urged security agents to commit themselves to the survival of the country.

In their various remarks, Prof. Olawale Albert, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, Prof. Osisioma Nwolise, Daniel and others called for inter-agency collaboration to deal with security challenges in the country.

The Director of IPSS, Prof. Ruth Moses-Adio said maritime security was central to the diversification agenda of the current administration.