The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for resilient partnerships among African navies to enhance collective capabilities and ensure the security of the African continent. This appeal was made by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Sea Power For Africa symposium, held at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The symposium, themed 'Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Maritime Security in Africa,' is part of the ongoing 70th anniversary celebrations of the Nigerian Navy. In his keynote address, Matawalle emphasized that navies are an indispensable aspect of the global economy, underpinning the security, stability, and freedom of movement essential for maritime trade, which constitutes approximately 90 percent of all world trade by volume.
According to the minister, by safeguarding critical sea lines of communication and preventing disruptions to trade, naval forces serve as steadfast guardians of international commerce and economic stability. He stated that in light of the immense responsibilities they bear, navies are continually evolving and repositioning themselves to address the complexities of an ever-changing security landscape in the shared maritime domain.
Matawalle stressed that the transnational and interconnected nature of maritime threats presents a formidable challenge that often transcends the capacity of individual nations or navies to address independently. He noted, 'It is therefore imperative to recognise the significance of collaborative initiatives among African navies and beyond. By fostering resilient partnerships aimed at enhancing collective capabilities, we can forge a credible maritime defense framework that ensures the security of our continent.'
He further explained that the Sea Power for Africa Symposium translates the high-level goals of the Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050, such as preventing hostile and criminal acts at sea, into actual naval objectives. 'This strategic alignment not only promises to fortify our defenses, but also underscores the philosophical understanding that true maritime security is a shared responsibility, demanding concerted efforts and unified resolve,' he added.
In his address, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, stressed the need for synergy among navies and other law enforcement stakeholders. He called for collaboration among other African navies to forge pathways that will create safer seas across Africa and decisively curtail the capacity of those who seek to disrupt the order and security of the waters. He noted that the 2026 Sea Power for Africa Symposium, held biennially on the African continent, brings together heads of navies, coast guards, and policy makers alongside maritime security stakeholders from across the globe, fostering vital dialogue on the myriad challenges that shape the maritime landscape.
According to Vice Admiral Abbas, since its inception in 2004, this symposium has catalysed significant advancements in enhancing maritime security within Africa, creating a safer environment that not only protects the waters but also propels the flourishing of the blue economy. Describing the theme for this year's symposium as both timely and profoundly relevant, the Chief of Naval Staff noted that unprecedented advancements in technology present both an opportunity and a challenge for humanity. 'These innovations have the potential to significantly contribute to human development and can be strategically utilised to strengthen maritime security. However, we must also recognise that, like any powerful instrument, advanced technologies can be subverted by non-state actors, who may exploit them for illegal purposes and criminal enterprises, even within our maritime domains,' he added.
