Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening maritime security and strategic defence partnerships, as the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, paid him a courtesy visit in Calabar.
Governor Otu said sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Navy is critical to protecting coastal communities, economic investments and national assets, particularly given Cross River State’s strategic position along Nigeria’s Eastern maritime corridor.
The Discussions at the meeting centered on Maritime security and strategic defence which provided an opportunity for high-level engagement between the Cross River State Government and the Nigerian Navy, with a focus on strengthening security along the Eastern maritime corridor.
At the Government House, Governor Bassey Edet Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, stressing that the state’s coastal location makes effective security partnership critical to the protection of lives, investments and national assets.
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Vice Admiral Idi Abbas explained that the visit formed part of his operational tour and welfare assessment since assuming office in October 2025.
He disclosed plans to deploy additional naval platforms to the Eastern maritime flank in response to emerging security concerns, describing Calabar as a strategic location for enhanced naval presence.
The visit underscores a renewed commitment to strategic security partnerships, as Cross River State positions itself as a key player in safeguarding Nigeria’s Eastern maritime corridor.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
