By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international maritime security partnerships following a high-level visit by a United States Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the Western Naval Command Headquarters in Lagos.
The delegation, led by Mr. Adam Barker, was received by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, who highlighted the Command’s strategic role in securing Nigeria’s maritime environment and supporting regional stability across the Gulf of Guinea.
During the engagement, Rear Admiral Mustapha emphasized the importance of the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC) in boosting maritime domain awareness through real-time surveillance, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operational responses. According to him, the platform has significantly strengthened the Nigerian Navy’s efforts against sea robbery, crude oil theft, piracy, and other maritime crimes.
He noted that the RMAC contributed substantially to the successful suppression of piracy in Nigerian waters in 2022, a development that led to Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy list.
The FOC further stressed that continued collaboration with strategic partners such as the United States remains vital to improving maritime security operations, enhancing intelligence exchange, and building the operational capacity needed to tackle evolving threats in the region.
As part of the visit, members of the delegation toured the RMAC facility and received detailed briefings on its operational capabilities and contributions to regional maritime security efforts.
Speaking during the visit, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Adam Barker, praised the Nigerian Navy for its sustained efforts in promoting maritime security and regional stability. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to deepening cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in the areas of maritime awareness, intelligence sharing, and collective security initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea.
The meeting also served as an avenue for both parties to discuss emerging maritime challenges and explore additional areas of operational collaboration aimed at strengthening security within the region.
