The African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, (CPAPS) Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, has lauded the Nigerian Navy for its outstanding role in safeguarding the nation’s waters, noting its success in curbing piracy since Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy list in 2022.
Ambassador Bankole Adeoye made the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
The Commissioner also highlighted the Nigerian Navy’s instrumental role in combating transnational crimes through collaboration with other navies in the Gulf of Guinea.
He emphasised that these dedicated efforts are especially valuable as Africa embraces the African Free Trade Agreement, which aims to unite 55 economies and create the world’s largest free trade area.
At the meeting, Ambassador Adeoye proposed a pan-African naval exercise in 2027 to enhance cooperation among African navies and encouraged the Nigerian Navy to maintain its leading role, particularly in light of the recent Global Firepower report, which ranked Nigeria as having the strongest naval fleet in Africa.
He requested Vice Admiral Abbas ‘support for the AU’s effort to host the continent-wide naval exercise that would involve partner navies from around the world.
Additionally, the AU CPAPS urged the Chief of the Naval Staff to consider organising a regional naval exercise involving navies from Zone E and other willing participants to promote maritime security, serve as a template for future maritime exercises, and foster broader engagement across the continent.
He stressed the importance of sustained collaborative initiatives to combat transnational maritime crimes and highlighted the Nigerian Navy’s leadership in the Gulf of Guinea as an exemplary model for enduring maritime security operations across Africa.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas warmly welcomed Ambassador Adeoye and commended the African Union’s dedication to promoting peace and stability across the continent.
Vice Admiral Abbas noted that the Nigerian Navy would review the proposal for a regional exercise involving ECOWAS Maritime Zone E member navies under the auspices of the Combined Maritime Task Force.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustain efforts to ensure Nigeria’s maritime domain is free from criminals and illicit activities.