The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has emphasized that modernizing the Nigerian Navy is crucial to strengthening security in Africa’s maritime domain.
Matawalle made this statement at the opening of the 6th Sea Power for Africa Symposium and Maritime Exhibition on Tuesday in Lagos.
He described the Navy as vital to the global economy, underpinning security, stability, and the freedom of movement essential for maritime trade, which accounts for about 90% of world trade.
He highlighted that by protecting key sea routes and preventing disruptions, naval forces serve as guardians of international commerce and economic stability.
Matawalle stressed the need for the Navy to evolve continually to meet the challenges of Africa’s changing security landscape, noting that maritime threats are transnational and interconnected, often beyond the capacity of individual nations.
He called for greater collaboration among African navies and beyond, stating, “By building resilient partnerships, we can create a credible maritime defense framework that secures our continent.”
The Minister explained that the symposium aligns with the Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050, which aims to prevent hostile acts at sea and promote shared responsibility for maritime security.
He described the theme, “Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Maritime Security in Africa,” as timely, emphasizing the importance of adopting advanced technologies like unmanned systems, AI surveillance, and data sharing to strengthen regional security and promote economic growth.
Matawalle reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to modernizing its Navy and supporting collaborative efforts for regional security. He praised the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for his efforts in safeguarding African waters and fostering economic prosperity.
He encouraged stakeholders to use the forum to enhance international cooperation and explore economic opportunities in Nigeria, celebrating the Navy’s 70th anniversary—an achievement reflecting its dedication to national and regional security.
Vice Admiral Abbas highlighted that maritime challenges surpass any single nation’s capacity and stressed the importance of synergy among navies and law enforcement agencies.
He underscored that Africa’s maritime strategy promotes sustainable resource use, safety, security, and governance, guided by frameworks like the African Charter on Maritime Security.
Abbas also emphasized the importance of responsibly harnessing technological advancements, noting that while innovations can strengthen security, they can also be exploited for illegal activities.
He called for ethical use of technology and expressed hope that the symposium would foster strategies to secure shared maritime spaces across Africa.
