Maritime security: Sanwo-Olu, Dangote laud Navy’s efforts, pledge support

The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote have commended the Nigerian Navy for its steadfast efforts in enhancing maritime safety and maintaining security along Nigeria’s coastal and offshore corridors.

The duo gave their commendations during seperate courtesy visits by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A. A Mustapha in Lagos on Monday.

Speaking at the Dangote Group’s corporate headquarters, Aliko Dangote described maritime security as essential for industrial development.

He noted that for conglomerates like the Dangote Group, which rely heavily on the efficient movement of raw materials and finished products through seaports and inland waterways, the Navy’s presence is vital to business continuity.

Dangote expressed the Group’s readiness to support mutually beneficial initiatives that promote economic growth, maritime safety, and national development. He also thanked the Western Naval Command for its collaborative spirit.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha said the
visit is part of the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing efforts to build strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the nation’s maritime sector and to enhance cooperation in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment.

He emphasized that the Nigerian Navy acknowledges the vital role of private sector players in maritime security, industrial growth, and national economic development.

He also highlighted the Dangote Group’s status as one of Nigeria’s leading conglomerates and a key contributor in the refinery, maritime, and shipping sectors.

“The Dangote Refinery is located within the Western Naval Command’s Area of Responsibility, marking it as a crucial national strategic asset that requires collective security efforts, ” he said.

The FOC WNC reiterated the Navy’s commitment, under the leadership of Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to enhancing collaboration, information sharing, and operational support to ensure the secure movement of goods, personnel, and assets across Nigeria’s waterways.

He also reaffirmed the Command’s determination to combat illegal activities at sea, including piracy, crude oil theft, smuggling, and other maritime crimes.

The visit included discussions on opportunities for capacity building, increased security coordination, and potential areas for partnership between the Nigerian Navy and the Dangote Group.

The Western Naval Command reaffirmed its committment to engaging with government, private sector entities, and maritime stakeholders as part of its efforts to sustain a secure maritime environment that supports national prosperity.

In a related development at the State House, governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assured the FOC of the Lagos State’s continued partnership to enhance maritime safety.

He lauded the contributions of the NNS BEECROFT and the synergy among security agencies in the state.

Responding to the governor, Rear Admiral Mustapha expressed his gratitude to the state government for its support of the security sector, particularly in maritime security, which has contributed to a peaceful environment in Lagos.

The FOC West pledged to continue enhancing maritime security through regular patrols of both coastal and inland waterways.

He emphasized that his command philosophy is technology-driven, focusing on detect, deter, disrupt, and prevent any criminal activities within his area of responsibility.

He added that the Command is ready to deepen existing collaboration on the security of state waterways to support the Blue Economy agenda of both the federal and state governments, especially in established choke points, while leveraging high-tech solutions for surveillance.