The Nigerian Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Federal Government to promote maritime security and the blue economy.
Speaking as the guest of honour at the gala dinner and awards ceremony held in Lagos to mark the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, said that the government was committed to providing the Nigerian Navy with the resources, capabilities and enabling environment necessary to build a modern and technologically advanced force capable of protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests.
He added that the future of the Navy depended on leveraging innovation, advanced surveillance systems, intelligence capabilities, unmanned technologies, cyber defense tools, and data-driven operations to address evolving security threats.
» The future of the Nigerian Navy depends on its ability to utilize advanced technologies and strengthen its collaboration with its regional and international partners.
“ A modern, technology-driven navy will enhance maritime domain awareness, operational effectiveness and make a significant contribution to collective security in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond ,” General Musa was quoted as saying by Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister’s special assistant for media.
He described the Navy as a model of organizational excellence and thanked the country’s international partners for their support in promoting maritime security and stability.
He stressed that the Nigerian Navy’s operations have a direct impact on Nigeria’s blue economy, protecting sea lanes, offshore oil and gas infrastructure, and other critical maritime assets.
According to him, the Navy remains at the forefront of the fight against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing and other maritime crimes.
» Through its active participation in domestic security operations and its support to other armed forces and security agencies, the Navy has played a vital role in maintaining peace and stability, thereby creating the secure environment necessary for economic growth and national development , » he added.
The minister congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, officers, sailors and civilian personnel for their professionalism, discipline and resilience over the past 70 years.
source : APA news
