Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle has said that the International Maritime Conference holding in Nigeria, as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy 68th anniversary, would translate to a secure maritime environment for the Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking at the opening cerwmony in Lagos, Matawalle said its outcome will help Nigeria and all seafarers to conduct legitimate business for economic prosperity and national development.
His words, “It is indeed an honor for me as the Minister of State for Defence and as supervising Minister of the Nigerian Navy to be here for this momentous event if the 5th International Maritime Conference, to take place under my watch.
“Since the establishment of the Nigerian Navy 68 years ago, the Navy has been a symbol of pride to the Nation carrying out its duties of safeguarding the economic interests of the nation with diligence and unparalleled professionalism.
“As I look around and see the excellencies, distinguished guests, speakers and attendees here, I feel assured that the engagement and deliberations during this conference will produce innovative ways to improve on our professionalism and efficiency.
“Accordinlgy, I believe that the outcomes of this conference will contribute in actualizing the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for a prosperous Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla said, “Maritime threats, which are transnational in nature have the propensity to hamper potentials of the blue economy of nations.
“Ameliorating these threats goes beyond the scope and capability of one nation. Undoubtedly, it requires international collaborative efforts, which this Conference represents.
“It is against this backdrop, that the theme for the Conference: “Promoting the Blue Economy in Africa through international Cooperation on Maritime Security”, was conceptualized.
“It is believed that this Conference will provide a viable platform to collectively develop strategies in addressing Africa’s inherent security challenges arising from development of the Blue Economy.
The CNS while acknowledging “past regional and continental levels cooperation and collaboration aimed at achieving sustainable maritime security architecture in Africa”, said, “Some of these initiatives include the Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050 and the 2013 Yaounde Declaration, which established the Code of Conduct, Memorandum of Understanding and Protocols for collective maritime security initiative for member states of the Gulf of Guinea.
“These initiatives testify to the political level commitment to security and developmental imperatives in the Continent’s maritime domain. I also acknowledge contributions of the international community, friendly navies and strategic partners of the Gulf of Guinea Region.
“Your support contributed to propelling the efforts of Nigerian Navy and other navies in the Gulf of Guinea towards checking transnational crimes in the region.
Vice Admiral Ogalla recalled that as part of regional initiatives to promote maritime security, the African Union through it’s communique 1012 of 2021 established the Combined Maritime Task Force for the region saying, ” I am happy to state that the Combined Maritime Task Force was operationalized in 2023 with Headquarters in Lagos – Nigeria.
“A Nigerian Navy officer has been designated as Commander of the Task Force while the 3 Task Groups of the Task Force, which covers the Northern, Central and Southern sectors of the Gulf of Guinea are hosted by Senegal, Nigeria and Republic of Congo respectively.
“Though the Task Force is evolving, this Conference will facilitate discourse on concepts and collaborative plans in actualizing aspirations of the Combined Maritime Task Force to supporting the region’s blue economy.
He continued, “On its part, the Nigerian Navy has rejigged its maritime security operations to ensure protection of Nigeria’s Blue Economy in accordance with her statutory mandate.
“In line with its 2021 – 2030 strategic plan, the Nigerian Navy embarked on fleet recapitalization, manpower development, indigenous shipbuilding efforts and strategic partnership to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and by extension, the Gulf of Guinea region.
“Recently, the Nigerian Navy Hydrography Department was upgraded to the National Hydrographic Agency, with a view to improving charting and seabed mapping of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“The Nigerian Navy’s Naval Dockyard Limited has also embarked on ship repair efforts and trainings for our friendly navies. For instance, the Naval Dockyard is carrying out extensive repairs of 6 Benin Republic naval ships.
“Presently 3 of the ships, BNS PENDJARI, BNS CUOFFO and BNS MATELOT BRICE KPOMASSE are currently in the dock undergoing major refits.
“These activities highlight our resolve to ensure maritime security for harnessing the enormous potential of the Blue Economy for national development and economic prosperity in the region”.
Earlier in the day, the Vice President, Dr Shettima Mustapha commissioned 3 new ships, which includes two 32m Fast Patrol Boats and one 35m Hydrographic Offshore Survey Vessel as well as 2 A109SP helicopters.
He also inspected the ongoing construction of Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) IV and V.
Ogalla said, “These acquisitions, ship building efforts as well as several other Offshore Patrol Vessels expected into the Nigerian Navy’s inventory within 2024, showcases Nigerian Navy’s preparedness for the protection of our Blue Economy.
‘”The Regional Maritime Exercise (REMEX) involving 17 ships which includes ships of 5 friendly navies from Brazil, China, Cameroun, Ghana and Togo participating in the Exercise, was also flagged off this morning by the Special Guest of Honour, the Vice President.
He appreciated the countries participating, in the REMEX noting, “Your efforts in sending your ships to participate highlights the synergy and international cooperation required to foster global maritime security, which is the major discourse for this Conference.
Furthermore, he said, “The successes recorded by the Nigerian Navy was made possible by the resolve of the President, Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to provide the necessary support to the Nigerian Navy. I must therefore appreciate the President for his unflinching support to the Nigerian Navy.
“My sincere appreciation also goes to the Minister of Defence and Minister of State for Defence for their guidance and support to the Nigerian Navy at all times. I also thank the members of the National Assembly and all other stakeholders for their relentless support to all Nigerian Navy activities.”
