The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Maritime Command Headquarters, AIG Chinedu Oko, has been honoured with the Champion of Maritime Safety and Security Award by New Experience Newspaper.
The award, which celebrates outstanding leadership and contribution to the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector, was presented during the newspaper’s annual awards ceremony held in Lagos.
According to the organisers, AIG Oko was selected for his exceptional dedication to maritime policing, his reforms in port security management, and his efforts in fostering collaboration among maritime stakeholders.
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of New Experience Newspaper, Mr. Uchenna Nwankwo, described AIG Oko as “a distinguished officer whose impact has strengthened the nation’s blue economy through enhanced maritime safety and security.”
He noted that under Oko’s leadership, the Maritime Command of the Nigeria Police Force has recorded remarkable progress in combating sea piracy, smuggling, and other maritime-related crimes.
The award, Nwankwo said, was instituted to recognize individuals and institutions contributing meaningfully to national development through innovation, professionalism, and integrity.
In his remarks after receiving the award, AIG Oko dedicated the honour to officers and men of the Maritime Police Command who, he said, “work tirelessly to secure Nigeria’s waterways and port facilities.”
He expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for providing the support and strategic guidance that have enabled the command to perform effectively.
AIG Oko reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Maritime Command to maintaining a strong presence across all maritime corridors in the country, in line with global safety standards.
He added that the command will continue to partner with relevant agencies such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigerian Navy to ensure coordinated maritime governance.
Industry stakeholders present at the ceremony commended AIG Oko’s leadership style, describing him as a reform-driven officer who has restored discipline, efficiency, and professionalism in maritime policing.
They also praised his role in reducing operational bottlenecks and ensuring prompt response to maritime distress calls across the country’s territorial waters.
The event, which drew participants from the maritime, security, and media sectors, featured other categories of awards recognising excellence in leadership, innovation, and service.
The New Experience Newspaper Awards has become one of Nigeria’s most credible recognition platforms, celebrating individuals and organisations that have distinguished themselves in public service, corporate governance, and community development.
With this recognition, AIG Chinedu Oko joins the league of national figures honoured for their enduring contributions to safety, security, and the advancement of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
