By: VITALIS UGOH, Calabar.
The management of the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) has called for collaborative security network between the Nigerian Navy and Army to protect the Calabar Creeks.
This will give hope as well as provide more surveillance along the creeks and shorelines of Calabar water ways.
It will also protect investors’ interest within the Zone.
Head of the Zone, Godwin Okimba Ekpe, made the appeal when he led the management team on familiarisation visits to the two military formations in Cross River.
According to him, “we have more oil tank farms now operating in the zone, in addition to other huge investments. Therefore, it is imperative that the management collaborate with the armed forces to prevent any unfortunate security incident within the zone.
The management he added earlier visited the Infantry Brigade Army Command in Calabar where they met the Commandant, Brig. General Tomitokpe Ademola.
Ademola had later led them on a facility tour and assured them of the commands routine surveillance and presence in the water ways and creeks.
At the NNS Victory Command, the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship, Commodore Macus Bobai also assured that his officers and men are ready to provide adequate security in order to protect lives and property along the shorelines in the state.
He noted that the Navy is strategically positioned along the shorelines and the waterways of Calabar and beyond, adding that “we are looking forward to having flat bottom boats in our fleets to be able to enter some challenging areas along the creeks.
Speaking earlier, the Head of Calabar Free Trade Zone, Mr
Ekpe noted that the zone has enjoyed good security over the years.
He said manufacturing which was the primary purpose of the zone is doing fine, adding that petroleum tank farm operators business was added to the zone thus increasing the risk level and needed more security.
