The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to addressing transnational maritime crimes through enhanced international partnerships, particularly with China. Speaking at the 2nd Gulf of Guinea Security Situation Seminar in Shanghai, China, from December 3–6, 2024, Ogalla highlighted the critical need for global naval cooperation to ensure maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The seminar, themed “Maritime Security Situation and Cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea,” builds on the outcomes of the 8th Symposium of Heads of Navies and Coast Guards of the Gulf of Guinea, recently hosted by the Nigerian Navy in Abuja. Commodore Aiyuwor Adams-Aliu, the Navy’s Director of Information, stated that the event gathered maritime force chiefs and representatives of the Inter-regional Coordination Center to deliberate on strategies to combat regional security threats.

Vice Admiral Ogalla emphasized Nigeria’s leadership in fostering regional collaboration, including its work with the European Union’s Strategy and Action Plan for the Gulf of Guinea, support for the Combined Maritime Task Force initiative, and strengthening the Yaoundé Architecture.

He also acknowledged the Chinese Navy’s contributions to maritime security, citing its involvement in the International Maritime Conference and Regional Maritime Exercise (INCREMEX) held in May 2024. The CNS highlighted China’s support in ship acquisition and training, such as the purchase of two 95-meter Offshore Patrol Boats in 2010 and the donation of two 46-meter Inshore Patrol Boats in 2014 and 2022.

Ogalla’s participation in the seminar underscores the Nigerian Navy’s determination to broaden its international partnerships, leveraging collaborations to address transnational maritime crimes and ensure security in the Gulf of Guinea.