KEY POINTS

• Fifteen warships and three helicopters are deployed for maritime security exercise by the Nigerian Navy.
• The exercise is part of the effort to counter maritime threats and strengthen oil production.
• To increase national security and economic growth, key to this goal is collaboration with stakeholders.

The Nigerian Navy has deployed 15 warships and three helicopters to take part in its annual Chief of Naval Staff sea exercise aimed at improving maritime security and spurring national economic development.

The navy’s first exercise was exercise ‘DEIN ABAJI’ which means ‘Calm Waters’ in Kalabari  and is a part of the service’s strategy to curb maritime threats and secure oil production in the Niger Delta and the wider Gulf of Guinea.

A key component of the move to secure its maritime borders, which are critical to Nigeria’s oil production and economic stability, the exercise kicked off on Tuesday in Onne, in Rivers State, The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, however said the navy is ready to protect the country’s maritime environment and support both domestic and regional security initiatives.

Enhanced learning about security and economic prosperity

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Vice Admiral Ogalla said that collaboration with maritime stakeholders is of paramount importance.

Sharing of information and interagency cooperation were very important in achieving national security goals, especially as Nigeria continues to confront maritime threats, he stressed.

Ogalla said he was sure the exercise would enhance the combat readiness of the navy and make other maritime agencies appreciate the benefits accruable from joint operations.

However, this exercise will undoubtedly enhance our ability to enhance combat capabilities and cooperation among agencies, which is critical to being able to achieve our maritime security objectives, he said.

Oil production positives

However, a direct result of the Nigerian Navy’s maritime security effort is a visible increase in oil production.

Ogalla stated that the reduction of criminal activities in Nigerian waters has positively impacted shipping by providing room for legitimate shipping activities as several oil companies now have their terminal factor at 100 per cent in production.

In close collaboration with relevant agencies, however, the navy has constantly worked with relevant agencies to secure Nigeria’s vast oil resources and keep crude oil output shooting up.

Ogalla, also, commended the ongoing support for the navy in these achievements by President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence.

Governor Fubara is seen to support security initiatives

He also commended the unwavering support Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has given to security operations of the navy in the area.

The governor’s dedication to enhancing security in the oil rich Niger Delta has helped create a climate that favors increased oil production.