The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening strategic maritime cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of efforts to strengthen security across the Gulf of Guinea and protect critical international trade routes.
This was disclosed by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, during a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Saylem Saeed Alshamsi.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing maritime domain awareness, shipbuilding collaboration, naval technology transfer, and joint efforts to combat piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery, and other transnational maritime crimes within the Gulf of Guinea.
Ambassador Alshamsi commended the Nigerian Navy for its sustained operational achievements in safeguarding regional waters and critical maritime infrastructure. He particularly praised the impact of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, citing the recent interception and seizure of a large cache of crude oil and petroleum products by naval operatives.
The envoy noted that the growing volume of trade and commercial exchanges between Nigeria and global partners underscored the need for a safer and more secure Gulf of Guinea to ensure uninterrupted maritime commerce.
He stressed the importance of stronger international maritime cooperation in sustaining regional economic stability and boosting global shipping confidence.
Speaking during the engagement, Vice Admiral Abbas described the construction of NNS KADA in Sharjah as a significant symbol of the expanding partnership between the Nigerian Navy and the UAE.
The naval chief stated that the Nigerian Navy was looking forward to deeper collaboration in naval technological transfer and indigenous shipbuilding development to improve fleet readiness and strengthen maritime security operations across the Gulf of Guinea.
