On Tuesday 15 October 2024, the Nigerian Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla delivered the closing remarks at the 5th Sea Power for Africa Symposium in Cape Town, South Africa. In his remarks, he stated that as African nations, we are collectively striving to secure our expansive maritime environments, which hold immense economic potential. The African maritime domain holds enormous resources, including hydrocarbons and fisheries. According to the World Bank Report of 2022, economic activities in African domain are projected to generate over USD 405 billion by 2030, including USD 100 million by coastal tourism, with the capacity to create over 57 million jobs across the continent. The sustainable management of these resources is crucial, as they are key drivers of economic growth and food security. The future of Africa’s maritime economy is encapsulated in the African Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS), which aims to foster wealth creation through the development of an ocean economy within a secured maritime domain. This vision is further supported by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which is projected to increase intra-African freight by 28 per cent and demand for maritime transport by 62 per cent. A substantial portion of global trade passes through African waters, contributing over 20 per cent of national revenues for some African countries. However, the richness of these waters and the intense economic activities within them expose our maritime domain to a range of non-traditional threats, posing significant challenges to regional stability.
In conclusion, the CNS said that the incentives for enhanced cooperation among navies and coast guards in addressing maritime security challenges cannot be overemphasised. Ensuring the security of African maritime routes will facilitate increased trade, fostering economic growth and prosperity. A thriving maritime industry not only creates employment opportunities but also attracts tourism, thereby generating additional revenue. Moreover, preventing maritime crimes, such as piracy, can help reduce insurance premiums, ultimately lowering the cost of goods and services. From an environmental perspective, it is imperative that we take decisive action to prevent oil spills, reduce waste dumping, and ensure sustainable fisheries management to secure long-term food security. Ultimately, the security of our maritime borders is essential for regional stability and the achievement of our national objectives.