Shanghai, China – December 3, 2024: The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, arrived in Shanghai, China, on Tuesday to participate in the 2nd Gulf of Guinea Security Situation Seminar.
The seminar, scheduled for December 3-6, 2024, focuses on addressing maritime security challenges and fostering international cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea region.
The event, themed “Maritime Security Situation and Cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea,” is facilitated by the Chinese government and brings together leaders of maritime forces and representatives from the Inter-regional Coordination Center in the Gulf of Guinea. Participants aim to deliberate on strategies to enhance security in one of the world’s most critical and vulnerable maritime corridors.
This seminar follows closely on the heels of the 8th Symposium of Heads of Navies and Coast Guards of Gulf of Guinea Navies, recently hosted by the Nigerian Navy in Abuja. That symposium highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in combating maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and oil theft in the region.
Vice Admiral Ogalla is slated to deliver a keynote address on “Improved Maritime Security Situation in the Gulf of Guinea and Nigeria’s Role in Fostering Collaboration in the Region.” The address is expected to underline Nigeria’s contributions to reducing piracy and enhancing regional security frameworks through capacity building and multilateral cooperation.
Accompanying the CNS is Rear Admiral Abiodun Bankole, the Director of Defence Cooperation at Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters. Rear Admiral Bankole’s presence underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships and ensuring sustainable security solutions for the Gulf of Guinea.
The seminar also offers a platform for participating countries and organizations to share best practices, explore technological innovations, and establish actionable frameworks to ensure safer waters for trade and development.
Experts in maritime security view the Gulf of Guinea as critical to global trade, with the region accounting for a substantial portion of Africa’s economic activity. However, it remains prone to piracy, smuggling, and other maritime crimes. The collaborative efforts of nations in this seminar are anticipated to create a roadmap for long-term solutions.
This event marks another milestone in Nigeria’s active involvement in regional and international maritime security discussions. Vice Admiral Ogalla’s participation further cements the Nigerian Navy’s position as a leading force in promoting stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, arrived in Shanghai, China, on Tuesday to participate in the 2nd Gulf of Guinea Security Situation Seminar.){kind=link}