The Nigerian Navy is seeking the construction of a jetty in Badagry to enable it protect the site of the proposed $3 billion refinery in Tongeji Island in the Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
This is even as Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (FOC), Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan are scheduled to embark on an on the spot accessment of the entire Tongeji Island.
Admiral Hassan made this demand when the Senate Committee on Defense Navy, visited the Headquarters of the Command in Lagos.
Speaking during the visit, the Flag Officer, expressed concern over the increasing activities of smugglers around creeks in the Badagry area of the state, insisting that criminal activities around the area was becoming worrisome.
“I am not only worried about Illegal Unregulated and Unreported Fishing in my area of responsibility, but very worried about the activities of smugglers who engaged themselves in unwholesome activities.
“Monies realized from smuggling might be used for the purchase of arms if allowed to go unchecked.
“We are demanding for the construction of a Jetty in Badagry for effective patrol and monitoring of our waters
“Tongeji is an oil rich island that must be protected. The Ogun State Governor and myself are scheduled to visit the Island on an accessment visit” he said
Responding to the demand, the chairman Senate Committee on Defense Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel, said Nigerian Navy is blessed with dedicated and professional personnel.
He said the capability of personnel of the navy is never in doubt and that he will take the demand of the navy to the Senate.