The Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, has emphasized the crucial role of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in safeguarding the state’s infrastructure, waterways and supporting the growth of the marine and blue economy sector.
Hon. Iyaghigba made this known during a courtesy visit to the Benue State Command of the NSCDC in Makurdi on Thursday during which he said it was necessary to recognise the corps’ critical role in protecting national assets, including those linked to water resources and marine infrastructure.
According to the commissioner, the joint efforts of his ministry and the NSCDC would enhance the protection of waterways, tributaries that serve as arteries to the River Benue, wetlands, and riverine communities, as well as businesses and investors operating in the sector.
“One of my key priorities is to make Benue State a shipping hub,” Iyaghigba disclosed, adding that investors have already begun showing interest in exploring the state’s potential in the marine and blue economy sector.
He noted that the ministry was committed to creating a secure and enabling environment that would attract both local and international investors.
He further encouraged NSCDC personnel to identify opportunities within the ministry’s value chain, especially in fisheries and aquaculture, which he described as “low-hanging fruits” that can provide economic empowerment for officers, their families, and communities.
Responding to a question on youth involvement, the commissioner assured that most of the ministry’s programmes and projects have been designed to be youth-friendly.
He said the government was intentional about engaging young people in the emerging blue economy, providing them with skills and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic development.
In her welcome address, the Benue State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Larai Alice Bitrus, expressed delight over the commissioner’s visit, describing it as “timely and strategic.”
She commended Hon. Iyaghigba for recognizing the importance of security in developing the marine sector and pledged the corps’ full cooperation with the ministry.
Commandant Bitrus assured that the NSCDC would comprehensively deploy its time, assets, and personnel to protect critical national infrastructure and support the state government’s vision for economic diversification through the marine and blue economy.
She added that the collaboration between the ministry and the corps would not only ensure the protection of national assets but also foster sustainable growth and development across Benue State’s waterways.
