Nigerian Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has called for unified global efforts to secure and sustainably manage underwater resources during the XIV Trans-Regional Seapower Symposium in Venice, Italy, from October 7 to 9, 2024. His policy statement emphasized the critical role of collective action in safeguarding the vast underwater reserves vital to economic prosperity and environmental stability.
Delivering a paper titled “Preserving the Underwater — The Secure & Sustainable Use of the Underwater,” Vice Admiral Ogalla stressed that the underwater domain, often overlooked, holds immense potential for humanity, particularly for African nations. He highlighted the African Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS) as a roadmap for unlocking the value of the continent’s underwater resources while maintaining environmental balance. The CNS noted that Nigeria’s maritime Area of Interest, encompassing internal waters, the territorial sea, the Exclusive Economic Zone, and the Gulf of Guinea, serves as both a vital trade route and a reservoir of resources, including over 36 billion barrels of crude oil and 182 trillion cubic feet of gas.
Vice Admiral Ogalla reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maritime security, underscoring the need for global cooperation in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which stipulates that about 60% of the world’s oceans lie outside national jurisdiction. “The interconnectivity of the sea compels global strategies to preserve underwater resources for the common good,” the CNS stated, advocating for international collaboration to ensure sustainable exploration and use of these critical resources.
In his discussions with Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the American Chief of Naval Operations, Vice Admiral Ogalla reiterated the importance of enduring partnerships to combat piracy and enhance maritime security, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea. He lauded the success of collaborative efforts like OBANGAME Express, a multinational maritime exercise aimed at strengthening cooperation in regional security.
This policy stance reflects Nigeria’s broader maritime vision, as the country continues to lead efforts in the Gulf of Guinea to foster security, promote a thriving Blue Economy, and encourage responsible stewardship of underwater resources. Vice Admiral Ogalla’s call for global collective action further solidifies Nigeria’s position as a key player in regional and international maritime policy-making.
The Nigerian Navy’s significant progress in combating piracy and ensuring secure waterways was showcased during the symposium, marking Nigeria’s exit from the International Maritime Bureau’s list of Piracy Prone States in 2022. This achievement, the CNS noted, demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated international efforts in addressing transnational maritime threats and ensuring the sustainable use of maritime resources.
