The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle has called for greater collaboration among African navies and the deployment of advanced technologies to tackle maritime crimes and strengthen security across the continent’s waters.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Sea Power for Africa Symposium and Maritime Exhibition in Lagos on Tuesday, Matawalle said the transnational nature of maritime threats requires collective action among African nations to safeguard maritime trade, economic growth and regional stability.
The symposium, organised as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy brought together naval chiefs, maritime security experts, policymakers and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
Matawalle described navies as critical enablers of global commerce, noting that about 90 per cent of world trade by volume is transported by sea. He said maritime forces must continuously adapt to emerging security challenges to protect sea lines of communication and ensure uninterrupted trade.
“The transnational and interconnected nature of maritime threats presents formidable challenges which often exceed the capacity of individual nations or navies to address independently,” he said.
According to him, collaborative initiatives such as the Sea Power for Africa Symposium help translate the objectives of the Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050 into practical naval actions aimed at preventing criminal activities at sea and strengthening maritime governance.
The minister said this year’s theme, “Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Maritime Security in Africa,” is timely as African nations seek innovative solutions to combat piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and other maritime crimes.
He highlighted the growing role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence-driven surveillance systems, unmanned platforms and enhanced data-sharing networks in improving maritime domain awareness and operational effectiveness.
Matawalle also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the recapitalisation and modernisation of the Nigerian Navy, stressing that a secure maritime environment is essential to unlocking the continent’s blue economy potential.
“The Nigerian government remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting the Nigerian Navy and strengthening collaborative frameworks that promote good order at sea across the Gulf of Guinea and beyond,” he said.
He commended the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and other naval leaders for their efforts in combating maritime threats and creating a safer environment for economic activities.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas said no single coastal nation possesses the resources or capabilities to effectively address all maritime security challenges independently.
He noted that the symposium provides a platform for African navies and maritime stakeholders to advance the objectives of the Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050 and the African Charter on Maritime Security, Safety and Development.
According to the naval chief, technological innovation presents both opportunities and risks, as criminal networks increasingly exploit emerging technologies to facilitate illegal activities within maritime domains.
He therefore urged participants to develop practical strategies that would harness technological advancements for maritime security while mitigating associated threats.
“This year’s theme serves as a vital compass for our deliberations, guiding us toward the collective development of strategies that fully harness the positive aspects of these technologies while mitigating their risks,” Abbas said.
He expressed confidence that discussions at the symposium would generate actionable recommendations and strengthen regional cooperation aimed at securing Africa’s maritime space and supporting sustainable economic development.
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