Maritime Security: How Collective Efforts’ll Boost Nigeria’s Blue Economy Potentials – CNS Ogalla
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has emphasized the importance of collective efforts in boosting Nigeria’s blue economy potentials.
Speaking at the 2024 Symposium of the Heads of Navies and Coast Guards of the Gulf of Guinea, Ogalla noted that the Gulf of Guinea is a crucial shipping route for global trade, accounting for about 60% of Africa’s shipping trade volume.
Theme: “Maritime Security and Sustainable Development in the Gulf of Guinea”, is hosted in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the French Navy.
Ogalla highlighted the region’s enormous resources, particularly in oil and gas, and stressed the need for sustainable development and exploitation of these resources.
He acknowledged that Nigeria’s economy depends largely on its oil resources, similar to other Gulf of Guinea nations.
Despite efforts to ensure maritime security, Ogalla identified challenges such as sea robbery, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, illegal fishing, and human trafficking.
He noted that these crimes require a collective approach involving all navies and coastguards.
“The complexities of maritime security are ever-evolving and transcend national borders,” Ogalla said.
“Our actions, decisions, and commitments will determine the extent to which we can turn our challenges into opportunities for sustainable development of our various nations’ economies.”
The symposium, which has been held annually since 2015, aims to promote maritime security and sustainable development in the Gulf of Guinea.
This year’s edition will focus on three critical thematic areas: maritime domain awareness and information sharing, regional and international collaboration, and legal and regulatory frameworks for maritime security.
Read Also:
Ogalla expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He also acknowledged the contributions of all nations in the Gulf of Guinea towards fulfilling their obligations under the Yaoundé Code of Conduct.
“Collective efforts are key to unlocking Nigeria’s blue economy potentials,” Ogalla reiterated. “We must work together to address the challenges facing our maritime domain and promote sustainable development in the Gulf of Guinea.”
In his remarks, the Chief of the French Navy, Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, commended the Nigerian Navy for hosting the symposium, expressing his delight at the impressive organization of the event.
He emphasized the importance of the symposium, stating that it provides a unique opportunity for navies and coastguards to discuss strategic maritime security issues in the Gulf of Guinea.
Vaujour highlighted the role of navies and coastguards in promoting maritime security, stressing that the sea is a powerful level for the global economy in terms of energy and food.
He noted that resource management and global monitoring are key to ensuring long-term and sustainable development.
The French Navy chief also stressed the need for interoperability, stating that it is a matter of connectivity, common procedures, and building trust.
He cited the success of joint operations, such as the Grand African NEMO and the Crocodile Lift exercises, which demonstrate the effectiveness of mutual support between naval forces.
Vaujour concluded by reaffirming the French Navy’s commitment to standing by Nigeria’s side, expressing his hope that the symposium would result in complete initiatives and significant progress.
He added that the importance of trust, built on long-term exchanges and frank discussions, in achieving the shared goal of securing the Gulf of Guinea.
By PRNigeria
