Naval Chief , Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla Attends Fifth Sea Power For Africa Symposium.
By Helen Udo,Outlook Media ABUJA.
The Nigerian Chief of the Naval
Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla accompanied by Rear Admiral
Noel Musa Madugu the Naval Director of Administration, and joined by Commodore
Chikaji Aminu Isah the Defence Attache to South Africa, along with Heads of Navies
across the African continent gathered under the auspices of the 5th Sea Power for Africa
Symposium (SPAS) to discuss strategies for safeguarding Africa’s expansive and
resource wealth maritime domain.
The Symposium, themed “Good Order at Sea in the
African Maritime Domain”, highlighted the vital role of maritime security in unlocking
Africa’s economic potential while addressing growing concerns over non-traditional
threats, such as piracy, illegal fishing and other maritime crimes.
A statement signed by Commodore A. Adams- Aliu Director of Information on Friday in Abuja quotes ” In his keynote address the Chief of the Naval Staff outlined the vast resources
within Africa’s maritime domain, underscoring its potential to generate over USD 405
billion by 2030, including USD 100 million by coastal tourism, with the capacity to
create over 57 million jobs across the continent.
The sustainable management of these
resources is crucial, as they are key drivers of economic growth and food security. He
emphasised that Africa’s maritime future is guided by the African Integrated Maritime
Strategy (AIMS), which aims to foster wealth creation by developing an ocean economy
within a secured maritime domain.
This vision is further supported by the African
Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which is projected to increase intraAfrican freight by 28 per cent and demand for maritime transport by 62 per cent. He also
noted that with a significant portion of global trade passing through African waters,
maritime activities contribute more than 20 per cent of national revenues for some
African countries. However, the richness of these waters and the intense economic
activities within them expose our maritime domain to a range of non-traditional threats,
posing significant challenges to regional stability.
The Chief of the Naval Staff pointed out that addressing these challenges requires
a united effort, urging African navies and coast guards to strengthen security architecture
across the continent. Sighting Nigeria, Vice Admiral Ogalla, said Nigeria is a key player
in the fight against maritime crime with an extensive maritime domain that includes the
Gulf of Guinea, with the Nigerian Navy implementation of a Total Spectrum Maritime
Strategy, incorporating a “Trinity-of-Action” approach that combines surveillance, rapid
response and law enforcement which has removed Nigeria from the list of piracy-prone
countries in March 2022, a status the country has maintained. In conclusion, the Chief of
the Naval Staff highlighted the border incentives for maritime security cooperation,
nothing that securing African waters would facilitate increased trade, attract tourism and
foster economic growth and prosperity. From an environmental perspective, he said
African navies must take decisive action to prevent oil spills, reduce waste dumping, and
ensure sustainable fisheries management to secure long-term food security. Ultimately,
the security of our maritime borders is essential for regional stability and the achievement
of our national objectives.
Seapower Symposium for Africa opened new frontiers
for effective protection and use of the sea via collective agenda by African states and
Nigeria’s participation was highly significant.