Joseph Bakare
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, had arrived Shanghai China for the 2nd Gulf of Guinea Security Situation Seminar scheduled for 3 – 6 December 2024.
The theme of the seminar is “Maritime Security Situation and Cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.” The seminar which is facilitated by China, brings together the Chiefs of Maritime Forces and the Inter-regional Coordination Center in the Gulf of Guinea to discuss maritime security.
In his remarks delivered on Tuesday 3 December 2024, the CNS stated that this seminar was significant because it came on heels of the recently concluded 8th Symposium of Heads of Navies and CoastGuards of Gulf of Guinea navies hosted by the Nigerian Navy in Abuja from 26 – 28 November 2024.
Vice Admiral Ogalla highlighted the improved maritime security situation in the Gulf of Guinea and Nigeria’s role in fostering collaboration in the region. Such collaborations include working with the European Union through the EU Strategy and Action Plan for the Gulf of Guinea to address transnational crime, supporting the Combined Maritime Task Force initiative and reinforcing the capacity of the Yaoundé Architecture.
He also acknowledged the active participation of the Chinese Navy in the International Maritime Conference and Regional Maritime Exercise (INCREMEX) held in May 2024.
He further highlighted the several engagements between the People’s Republic of China and Nigerian Navy in the area of ship acquisition, training and technical assistance.Some examples include the purchase of Two 95m Offshore Patrol Boats in 2010 and the donation of two 46m Inshore Patrol Boats by the Chinese Navy in 2014 and 2022 respectively.
The CNS stated that the transnational nature of maritime crimes makes it expedient for navies to cooperate globally hence theNigerian Navy remains committed to broadening partnerships at international levels for improved global maritime security.