Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
PRESS RELEASE (For immediate use)
The Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Honourable Denis Ter Iyaghigba, has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Command, to enhance the security and protection of the state’s waterways.
Hon. Iyaghigba made the call during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifeanyi Innocent, PhD, at his office in Makurdi.
He said the partnership was necessary to ensure effective management, surveillance, and protection of maritime assets in the state, which are key to unlocking the economic potentials of the marine and blue economy sector.
According to the commissioner, the Ministry has recently taken delivery of four operational boats donated by His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia to strengthen waterway activities and promote marine transportation.
He noted that the boats would be placed under the custody of the Police Command for efficient monitoring and the use of the ministry along the River Benue and other inland water routes.
Hon. Iyaghigba commended the Benue Police Command for its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state, expressing optimism that a closer working relationship would help combat illegal fishing, smuggling, and other maritime-related crimes.
Responding, CP Emenari Ifeanyi Innocent appreciated the commissioner for the visit and assured him of the Command’s full cooperation in safeguarding marine facilities and ensuring law and order within the waterways.
The visit, which marked another milestone in the Alia administration’s commitment to developing Benue’s blue economy, is expected to strengthen inter-agency collaboration for sustainable marine resource management and economic diversification in the state.
Signed:
Lubem Gena, FIIM
Head of Media, Publicity and Orientation
08064453683
17th October, 2025
