The Nigeria International Coastal Border Platform has set a new agenda for maritime security, environmental protection, and cross-border trade following its inaugural summit held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at CEEDAPEG Hotel in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The summit, declared open by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, brought together Deputy Governors from member states, with the exception of Rivers State, to deliberate on issues affecting Nigeria’s coastal borders.
Chaired by Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, the meeting produced a 10-point resolution. These include harmonizing Nigerian laws such as the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act for more efficient enforcement, establishing a community surveillance and intelligence-sharing framework, and increasing maritime safety awareness to ensure compliance with national and international laws.
Delegates also emphasized the need to protect the maritime environment, combat pollution, and safeguard mangroves to prevent environmental degradation and its associated economic impact. The summit urged the integration of climate change resilience into maritime border policies and called for greater investment in maritime transport services to boost economic activities between coastal communities and neighboring countries.
Other resolutions include dedicating a portion of maritime tax and crude oil export revenue to coastal security funding, enhancing social infrastructure in coastal communities, and creating a cross-border engagement platform to strengthen ties with neighboring nations.
Signatories to the communique include the Deputy Governors of Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Ogun, Ondo, and Cross River States, along with a representative of the Lagos State Deputy Governor.
The summit marked the first coordinated effort by Nigerian coastal states to address shared maritime challenges and harness opportunities in line with the African Integrated Border Governance Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Zone.