The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Gregory Oamen, has embarked on courtesy visits to the Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in an effort to foster collaboration and bolster security in Nigerian waters.
On Wednesday, Rear Admiral Gregory Oamen met with the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, at Marina, Lagos.
During his remarks, the FOC stated that the purpose of his visit was to introduce himself formerly and to seek the NPA collaboration in enhancing security in Nigeria’s waters to support maritime businesses.
Rear Admiral Oamen assured the NPA management of the Western Naval Command’s committment to resolving security issues at the Lagos ports and that new measures are being developed to address these concerns.
He also conveyed the greetings and goodwill message of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ogalla.
In response, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho thanked the FOC West and his team for the visit.
He also congratulated Rear Admiral Oamen on his appointment as FOC WEST and offered prayers for God’s guidance during his tenure.
The MD acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Navy (NN) in the recent declaration of Nigeria’s waters as piracy-free by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) and assured that the NPA would continue to collaborate with the NN to further improve the security of Nigeria’s ports and waters.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Oamen, on Tuesday visited the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, at his office in Apapa.
During the visit, Rear Admiral Oamen emphasized that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to securing Nigeria’s waters.
He also mentioned that the Western Naval Command is prepared to collaborate with the Shippers’ Council to further develop the shipping industry as part of the Federal Government’s blue economy initiative.
In response, Dr. Akutah expressed his gratitude to the FOC West for the visit and highlighted the crucial role the Nigerian Navy plays in fostering a secure maritime environment that allows businesses to thrive.
He added that his office is open to any collaboration that would promote the Federal Government’s blue economy initiative and strengthen the partnership with the Western Naval Command.
