Kogi State House of Assembly has called for enhanced security on inland waterways across the state.
Member representing Lokoja I State Constituency, Hon. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijani, in a motion moved during plenary on Tuesday, noted that Kogi’s strategic location along major inland waterways makes it a key player in trade and commerce, hence the need to strengthen waterway security to promote investment, tourism, and economic growth.
Bin-Ebaiya called for urgent rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Marine Police Station in Lokoja, describing its current state as deplorable and unsafe for officers.
He noted that the marine police services play a vital constitutional role in safeguarding lives and property along the waterways, preventing crimes such as smuggling, piracy, human trafficking, and illegal fishing.
He expressed concern that the Marine Police Station in Lokoja, which serves as a major operational base for waterway security in the state, has been in a dilapidated condition for over three years, with parts of the structure already collapsed.
According to him, the poor state of the facility has hindered officers from performing their duties effectively, resulting in increased unregulated activities, security threats, and economic losses for traders and transporters who depend on river routes.
“The security and economic prosperity of Kogi State are closely tied to the effective operation of its inland waterways. The rehabilitation of the Marine Police Station in Lokoja is not just a necessity but an urgent priority,” he said.
The lawmaker urged the House to call on the Nigeria Police Force, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to collaborate with the state government to rehabilitate the facility and improve marine security operations.
The lawmaker also appealed to the Federal Government to provide adequate funding, modern security equipment such as speedboats, surveillance technology, and communication gadgets, to enhance marine police operations in the state.
Deputy Speaker of the House and member representing Ibaji State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, who presided over the sitting, commended Hon. Ebaiya for bringing up the motion, describing it as timely and in line with the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring safety and sustainable economic development across Kogi state.
The Deputy Speaker directed the Clerk to forward resolutions of the House to relevant authorities for immediate action.
