Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, urged international oil companies (IOCs) operating within the ENC jurisdiction to either close off abandoned oil well heads or decommission them. He emphasized this need during an interview with reporters at his office in Calabar over the weekend. The rationale behind this call was both environmental preservation and ensuring clarity on which wells remain active for security purposes.
The ENC region hosts some of Nigeria’s most productive oil installations, and the navy provides security coverage for them. Akinwande also appealed to both the IOCs and the governors of Niger Delta States to offer more support to maintain these platforms.
He highlighted the financial strain incurred by the navy in providing medical care and upkeep for crews and seized ships involved in illegal oil activities. Akinwande stressed the importance of expediting the prosecution of criminals apprehended, to conserve resources for other essential purposes.
Regarding their relationship with host communities, Akinwande emphasized the command’s commitment to fostering collaboration through regular meetings aimed at addressing maritime threats. These engagements include tripartite meetings involving the Nigerian Navy, local communities, and IOCs, chaired by the Commander of NNS PATHFINDER. Additionally, the Commanding Officer of FOB IBAKA holds frequent discussions with the Ibaka Fishermen Union. Overall, these interactions have promoted mutual understanding, burden sharing, and trust between the navy and host communities.