The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Abubakar Mustapha, has called for deeper collaboration, intelligence sharing and technology-driven operations among maritime stakeholders to enhance security and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
The call was made on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, during a high-level meeting with maritime stakeholders at the Officers’ Mess, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Lagos.
Welcoming participants, Rear Admiral Mustapha described the engagement as a strategic platform for frank interaction and constructive dialogue among critical actors in the maritime sector. He commended stakeholders for their sustained commitment to the safety, growth and orderly development of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
According to the FOC, the meeting was convened to strengthen cooperation, improve inter-agency coordination and align collective efforts towards enhanced maritime security, safe navigation, sustainable exploitation of marine resources and overall national economic growth.
Rear Admiral Mustapha explained that the Western Naval Command’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) spans from the Nigeria–Benin Republic border to Delta State, covering the hub of Nigeria’s Blue Economy activities. He noted that Lagos ports alone account for over 60 percent of the nation’s cargo traffic, alongside extensive oil and gas operations, tank farms, the Dangote Refinery, maritime logistics and fisheries. Emerging sectors such as offshore renewable energy, maritime tourism and gaming, he added, are also gaining traction within the command’s AOR.
However, he acknowledged that the vast maritime space presents complex, persistent and emerging security and regulatory challenges that no single agency can tackle alone, stressing that effective collaboration between the Nigerian Navy, government agencies, private sector operators and industry associations is indispensable.
Speaking with www.hybridnewsng.com, the FOC emphasized that the maritime domain is highly dynamic and requires continuous stakeholder engagement. “Everyone has a role and a capability. When we come together to share intelligence, review protocols and fine-tune our tactics, strategies and regulatory frameworks, we are better positioned to protect our maritime space and ensure the Blue Economy thrives,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of technology in modern maritime operations, noting that intelligence-led and technology-driven solutions are critical. “We cannot keep naval vessels at sea 24 hours a day. That is why stakeholders agreed on the need to standardize technology, including the deployment of CCTV cameras, improved port facilities and more responsive terminal operations, to deter and deny criminals freedom of action in our waterways,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of maritime stakeholders, the Group Security Manager, PTML Grimaldi, and Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO), Grimaldi Shipping Line Nigeria, Mr. Alu Oscar, said compliance with existing marine policies and security frameworks is being strengthened across the industry.
He noted that recent collaborative efforts between the Nigerian Navy and the Marine Police, particularly in enhancing visibility, surveillance and response, have significantly improved security. “The waterways have been relatively calm since the last incident in November 2025. Sustaining this momentum is key. Security is not just about reporting incidents; it is about proactive policies and principles that prevent issues from escalating and embarrassing the country before the International Maritime Organization,” he said.
Representing the AIG Maritime, the Assistant Commissioner Of Police In Charge Administration, Maritime Police Command, ACP Oyin Francess Zarat Adegbite, PSC, commended the Nigerian Navy for initiating the engagement, describing it as a vital step in deepening intelligence collaboration.
She noted that emerging maritime security threats directly affect Nigeria’s economic outlook and assured that the police would intensify collaboration with the Navy, NIMASA, NPA, NIWA, LASWA and other stakeholders to ensure safe waterways for business operations and coastal communities.
ACP Oyin also emphasized community engagement, explaining that the Police Community Relations Committee would be leveraged to sensitize coastal communities on the dangers of aiding criminal activities. She added that efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Law Association and relevant judicial bodies, to address gaps in the legal framework and improve prosecution of maritime crimes.
In his closing remarks, Rear Admiral Mustapha reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment, under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (AM), to providing a secure and enabling maritime environment for legitimate maritime activities.
He expressed appreciation for stakeholders’ insights and support, urging open, solution-oriented discussions that would translate into practical measures to strengthen trust, enhance synergy and deliver tangible benefits to Nigeria’s maritime sector and the nation at large.