Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, has emphasized the importance of global collaboration in combating trans-national sea crimes.
Speaking at the 2nd Gulf of Guinea Security Situation Seminar in Shanghai, China, Ogalla highlighted the need for cooperation among nations to address the negative impact of these crimes on national resources and well-being.
Ogalla noted the improved maritime security situation in the Gulf of Guinea and Nigeria’s role in fostering collaboration in the region. He cited examples of successful collaborations, including working with the European Union to address transnational crime and supporting the Combined Maritime Task Force initiative ¹.
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The Naval Chief also acknowledged the active participation of the Chinese Navy in the International Maritime Conference and Regional Maritime Exercise (INCREMEX) held in May 2024.
He further highlighted the engagements between China and the Nigerian Navy in ship acquisition, training, and technical assistance, including the purchase of offshore patrol boats and the donation of inshore patrol boats.
Ogalla emphasized that the transnational nature of maritime crimes necessitates global cooperation among navies. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to broadening partnerships at international levels to improve global maritime security.
The seminar, facilitated by China, brought together Chiefs of Maritime Forces and the Inter-regional Coordination Center in the Gulf of Guinea to discuss maritime security.
The theme of the seminar was “Maritime Security Situation and Cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.”
Ogalla’s call for global collaboration comes on the heels of the recently concluded 8th Symposium of Heads of Navies and Coast Guards of Gulf of Guinea navies, hosted by the Nigerian Navy in Abuja from November 26-28, 2024.