Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – February 17, 2025 – Nigeria and the African Union (AU) have signed a landmark agreement for the provision of Strategic Sea Lift Services, aimed at supporting peace operations, disaster response, humanitarian aid, and personnel movement across the continent.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye.

Nigeria’s Role in Regional Maritime Security
Under the agreement, the Nigerian Navy will provide a naval vessel for AU operations on a cost-recovery basis, reinforcing the country’s commitment to regional and continental security efforts.

The signing comes as Nigeria pushes for the establishment of a Combined Maritime Task Force, a proposal aimed at enhancing security and coordination in Africa’s maritime domain.

Key Officials at the Signing
The event was attended by:

Attorney-General & Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar
Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla
Director-General, Nigerian Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed
What This Means for Africa
The agreement aligns with Nigeria’s strategic vision for regional maritime security, particularly in the fight against piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and other transnational crimes.

It also strengthens Africa’s peacekeeping capabilities, ensuring rapid deployment of troops and aid during crises and emergencies.