During the Nigerian Navy 2023 Presidential Fleet Review Maritime Discourse on Saturday, the Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, emphasized the need for a stronger and more responsive naval force to protect Nigeria’s strategic maritime interests, warning that failure to build a formidable Navy would expose the country’s maritime environment to criminal activities, which would have a detrimental effect on the domestic economy.
This emphasis is long overdue for Nigeria as a coastal nation with a significant maritime domain. A stronger Navy is crucial for Nigeria to protect its maritime resources, ensure the security of maritime trade, combat maritime crime, uphold territorial integrity, and exercise regional leadership.
Speaking at the event, Magashi highlighting Nigeria’s sustained democratic transition and the potential for a great future. He stressed the importance of developing a naval force capable of safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, also echoed Magashi’s sentiments, emphasizing that the prosperity of littoral nations is linked to the resources derived from the maritime environment. He warned that any impediment caused by the unavailability of a prepared naval fleet would have negative consequences for a nation’s economic survival.
The theme of the presidential fleet review, “Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity,” emphasized the need for a ready and responsive naval fleet.
The discourse aimed to explore and highlight the readiness of the Nigerian Navy’s fleet, with a focus on doctrine/work-up, logistics support, fleet maintenance, and crew preparedness.
Overall, the event underscored the importance of building a strong Navy to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests and ensure national prosperity.
Nigeria has several reasons to build a stronger Navy to secure its maritime interests.
Here are some key points:
Protection of maritime resources: Nigeria possesses extensive maritime resources, including oil and gas reserves, fisheries, and other valuable minerals. These resources play a crucial role in the country’s economy. A stronger Navy can safeguard these assets from illegal exploitation, piracy, smuggling, and other illicit activities that could undermine Nigeria’s economic growth.
Maritime trade and commerce: Nigeria heavily relies on maritime trade for both imports and exports. Adequate naval capabilities are essential to ensure the security and smooth flow of international trade through Nigerian waters, including major ports and shipping lanes. A stronger Navy can protect merchant vessels, deter piracy, and maintain safe navigation, thereby boosting economic activities and attracting foreign investment.
Combatting maritime crime: Nigeria’s waters face various security challenges, including piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling. These activities pose significant threats to national security and stability. By enhancing its naval capabilities, Nigeria can effectively patrol its waters, conduct maritime surveillance, and collaborate with international partners to combat these criminal activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Territorial integrity and sovereignty: A stronger Navy reinforces Nigeria’s ability to protect its territorial waters and defend its maritime boundaries. It helps deter potential aggressors, safeguard offshore installations, and prevent encroachments on Nigerian sovereignty. This is particularly important in the context of border disputes, territorial claims, and the protection of Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Regional leadership and cooperation: Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the West African region. By building a stronger Navy, Nigeria can take the lead in maritime security initiatives, promoting regional stability and cooperation. It can collaborate with neighbouring countries, share intelligence, conduct joint patrols, and establish frameworks for collective defense, thus fostering stronger regional ties and addressing common maritime challenges together.
By investing in naval capabilities, Nigeria can strengthen its position as a maritime nation and enhance its overall security and prosperity.