By Ogalla Daniel
The Kogi State House of Assembly, has called for the urgent rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Marine Police Station in Lokoja, describing its current state as deplorable and unsafe for officers.
In a motion of urgent public importance on the “Need to Rehabilitate the Marine Police Station in Lokoja and Strengthen Security on Inland Waterways,” was moved by the member representing Lokoja I Constituency, Bin-Ebaiya Tijjani, during plenary in lokoja.
He noted that the Marine Police play a vital constitutional role in safeguarding lives and property along the waterways, and in preventing crimes such as smuggling, piracy, human trafficking, and illegal fishing.
He expressed concern that the Lokoja Marine Police Station, which served as a major operational base for waterway security in the state, had remained in a dilapidated condition for over three years, with parts of the structure already collapsed.
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According to him, the poor state of the facility has hindered officers from performing their duties effectively, leading to increased unregulated activities, security threats, and economic losses for traders and transporters who depend on water routes.
He emphasised that the security and economic prosperity of Kogi State were closely tied to the effective operation of its inland waterways, stressing that the rehabilitation of the Marine Police Station in Lokoja was not just a necessity but an urgent priority.
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 in rehabilitating the facility and improving marine security operations.
Ruling in the matter the Deputy Speaker of the House and member representing Ibaji Constituency, Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, who presided over the plenary , commended Mr Tijjani for presenting 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 of the House to forward the Assembly’s resolutions to relevant authorities for immediate action.
