As part of measures to collectively fight maritime illegalities on the waterways, no fewer than 20 countries have indicated interest to partner with the Nigerian Navy for the 2015 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) conference.
The conference which will be hosted by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas, is targeted at improving maritime security on our waterways.
Scheduled to hold at the Four Points By Sheraton Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos from August 24 to 26 2015, the Chairman of the committee, Rear Admiral Begroy Ibe-Enwo, said the navy was partnering with the International Quality Productivity Center (IQPC).
He said over 20 countries will participate in the OPV conference themed, ‘Facilitating Cooperation Across Africa and Focusing on Naval System and Coastal Surveillance To Enhance Maritime Security’.
Ibe-Enwo, who is also the Chief Staff Officer (CSO) of Western Naval Command said several papers would be presented and discussed by international maritime security experts on the areas and issues that were of interest to African and global maritime stakeholders.
He said, “Participants at the event would include global experts in maritime security and naval operations, service chiefs and flag officers from international and African navies.
“The participants will focus on Anti-Piracy Operations, Coastal Surveillance Systems, Cost-effective OPV and Naval System Acquisition, International Best Practices in OPV Operations.
“Also, multilateral and innovative protection measures for offshore oil and gas assets, technology transfer and development of domestic ship building capabilities will be discussed.
“There will be exhibition of security and defence related equipment for protection of oil and gas assets and co-operation and information sharing among maritime stakeholders.
“Maritime Industry key players, including offshore oil and gas security experts will display ground breaking technologies that could be beneficial to the navy and other African littoral nations.
“All these are geared towards dealing with the various maritime security threats on our waters. And we will keep emphasising and sensitising ourselves so that in the near future, incidences of maritime insecurity will be a thing of the past.”
ThisDay
