Tinubu Inaugurates Naval Assets To Boost Blue Economy, Combat Maritime Crimes

In a significant move to tackle maritime crimes and enhance Nigeria’s Blue Economy, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, inaugurated three Nigerian Navy ships and two helicopters on Thursday.

The ceremony, held at the Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos, marked a key event in the celebration of the Nigerian Navy’s 68th anniversary and the fifth International Maritime Conference.

The conference, themed “Promoting the Blue Economy in Africa through International Cooperation on Maritime Security,” aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 and Africa’s Agenda 2063. It aims to foster collaboration among African nations to address maritime security and harness the economic potential of the Blue Economy.

President Tinubu highlighted the significant economic impact of the Blue Economy, projecting a value increase to $15.5 trillion globally by 2050 and an African market projection of $405 billion by 2030.

He stressed the importance of strategic partnerships between the Nigerian Navy and other African maritime forces to combat transnational maritime threats.

Vice President Shettima emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s evolution and commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain, noting the necessity of international collaboration to address complex security challenges.

He commended the Navy’s efforts in fleet recapitalization, indigenous shipbuilding, and strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, praised the Navy’s professionalism and its role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.

He expressed optimism that the conference would yield innovative strategies to enhance maritime security and economic prosperity.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, underscored the transnational nature of maritime threats and the need for collective international efforts.

He highlighted ongoing regional initiatives and the Navy’s strategic plan, including the upgrade of the Hydrography Department to the National Hydrographic Agency and significant ship repair projects.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, lauded the Navy’s contributions to national security and called for the recognition of personnel sacrifices.

He reiterated Lagos’ pivotal role in Nigeria’s maritime economy and the importance of supporting initiatives to secure and develop the Blue Economy.

The event also marked the start of the Regional Maritime Exercise (REMEX), involving ships from Brazil, China, Cameroon, Ghana, and Togo, further showcasing the Navy’s preparedness and the support of the Tinubu-led administration.