Navy seeks media partnership on maritime security initiatives
…over 40 Navy Forces for International Fleet Review, others The Nigerian Navy (NN) has sought media collaboration for accurate reporting of its activities and maritime security successes. Director of Information
...over 40 Navy Forces for International Fleet Review, others
The Nigerian Navy (NN) has sought media collaboration for accurate reporting of its activities and maritime security successes.
Director of Information (DINFO), Captain Abiodun Folorunsho made the appeal during his visit to this newspaper's head office in Lagos on Monday evening.
Folorunsho who highlighted the many successes the Navy has recorded over the years including being ranked first in Africa and 22 in the world with a fleet strength of 152 vessels, noted that many Nigerians were not aware of the strength and capabilities of the service.
According to him, the critical role of the Navy to national economic prosperity cannot be overemphasized, urging the media to support the service because its successes would directly impact cost of goods and services, as well as translate to more resources for the country.
He said the visit was in line with the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admir Idi Abbas, to build a modern, agile and professional naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests in collaboration with other security agencies, just as he clarified issues relating to naval operations and corrected misconceptions about the service.
He also announced plans for activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, scheduled for May, with an International Fleet Review expected to serve as the highlight of the celebration.
Folorunsho disclosed that over 40 countries have indicated interest in participating in the fleet review, which will be hosted by Nigeria and reviewed by President Bola Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
He added that Nigeria would also host the sixth edition of the Seapower for Africa Symposium (SPAS), themed “Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Maritime Security in Africa,” noting that the event would focus on the use of emerging technologies to strengthen maritime security across the continent.
The naval spokesman said the symposium would bring together maritime stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to develop collaborative strategies for tackling maritime threats and enhancing regional trade.
He said the Navy’s operational successes include the eradication of piracy in Nigerian waters, which led to the removal of Nigeria from the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy-prone nations list in 2022.
“Since 2022, there has not been a single recorded piracy incident in Nigerian waters,” he said, noting that the development had contributed to reduced shipping insurance premiums and improved economic activities.
The director further clarified that the Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF) aimed at strengthening regional maritime cooperation, was already operational and headed by Commodore Mohammed Saghir Shettima.
He explained that the initiative seeks to enhance collaboration among African navies in safeguarding maritime trade routes, which account for about 90 per cent of global trade.
Folorunsho also reaffirmed the operational status of NNS Aradu, describing it as the Navy’s flagship vessel and a symbol of national pride, while noting that strategic decisions concerning the ship’s future remain under consideration.
He reiterated the Navy’s commitment to indigenous shipbuilding and capacity development, saying the service was expanding local ship construction and maintenance capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign technical support.
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On oil infrastructure protection, Folorunsho explained that pipeline protection was primarily the responsibility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, while the Navy provides operational support through patrols and targeted operations such as Operation Delta Sentinel.
He emphasised that the Navy plays a critical role in protecting Nigeria’s economic interests, including safeguarding crude oil infrastructure and ensuring safe maritime trade.
Folorunsho urged the media to support the Navy’s efforts by promoting factual reporting, stressing that enhanced public understanding of naval operations would strengthen national security and economic growth.
While acknowledging funding constraints, he maintained that government investment in naval capacity has grown and that further expansion would depend on national economic strength.
“The Navy is an economic force. If we succeed, the country succeeds," he stated.
Captain Folorunsho and his delegation were received by members of management including the Editor Weekend, Mr Festus Eriye, Managing Editor, Editorial Services, Mr. Lawal Oghienabo and Deputy Editor (Daily), Dr. Emmanuel Oladesu, who asked some critical questions and sought clarifications on certain issues.
