By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening operational collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of efforts to enhance maritime security and safeguard strategic trade routes within the Gulf of Guinea.
This was disclosed during a meeting between the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Saylem Saeed Alshamsi.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, discussions at the meeting centred on maritime domain awareness, shipbuilding, naval technological transfer, and coordinated efforts to combat piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery, and other transnational maritime threats affecting the Gulf of Guinea.
The statement noted that Ambassador Alshamsi commended the Nigerian Navy for its sustained operational successes in securing regional waters and protecting critical maritime infrastructure. He particularly praised the strategic impact of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, citing the recent seizure of a large cache of crude oil and petroleum products by Nigerian Navy personnel.
The Ambassador also observed that the growing volume of trade and commercial activities between Nigeria and international partners underscored the importance of maintaining a secure Gulf of Guinea to guarantee uninterrupted maritime commerce.
He stressed the need for stronger international maritime cooperation to sustain regional economic stability and reinforce global shipping confidence.
Speaking during the engagement, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas described the construction of NNS KADA in Sharjah as a major symbol of the growing partnership between the Nigerian Navy and the UAE.
The Chief of the Naval Staff further stated that the Nigerian Navy was looking forward to deeper cooperation in naval technology transfer aimed at boosting indigenous shipbuilding capacity, enhancing fleet readiness, and strengthening maritime security operations across the Gulf of Guinea.
