Nigeria stands at crossroads on Maritime security – Navy

The Nigerian Navy on Thursday, declared that the threats being experienced on maritime domains are often asymmetrical, fluid, and transnational in nature.

It also emphasized that Nigeria, like many other nations in the Global South, stands at a critical crossroads, adding that Nigeria’s national security landscape is rapidly evolving.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla, stated this at Naval Headquarters, Abuja, during a seminar organised by the Transformation Branch of the maritime force on research and development for senior officers, with the theme: “Utilizing Emerging Technology for Enhanced Operational Effectiveness”.

In his address, Ogalla, who was represented by the Chief of Communications and Information Technology, Rear Admiral Hamza Kaoje, said it is important to adequately support the personnel of the force with the latest technology in order to meet the demands of 21st-century naval operations.

The Naval Chief explained, “Nigeria, like many other nations in the Global South, stands at a critical crossroads.

“Our national security landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by a complex interplay of threats ranging from maritime crimes such as piracy, illegal bunkering, smuggling, and sea robbery, to onshore insecurities that continue to threaten critical infrastructure and economic lifelines.

“In our vast maritime domain, which plays host to critical oil and gas infrastructure, the threats are often asymmetrical, fluid, and transnational in nature.

“Notably, the adversaries we confront are increasingly leveraging modern technologies, including unmanned platforms, encrypted communications, and advanced navigation systems, he said.

“It is, therefore, becoming abundantly clear that the battle for maritime security and dominance will no longer be won by numerical superiority alone.

“Rather, our success will depend on superior innovation, intelligence, adaptability, and technological sophistication. In essence, the NN must remain ahead of the curve through proactiveness and innovation.”