Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
As part of efforts to enhance maritime safety and protect critical trade routes in the region, Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to global maritime security cooperation following a high-level visit by a United States Congressional Delegation 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 Navy’s vital role in securing Nigeria’s waters and supporting safety across the Gulf of Guinea.
A major focus of the engagement was the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability, known as RMAC.
Rear Admiral Mustapha described it as a key tool in boosting maritime surveillance through real-time monitoring, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operations.
He noted that RMAC has significantly strengthened the Navy’s fight against sea robbery, crude oil theft, and other illegal activities at sea. Additionally ,the system also played a major role in curbing piracy in Nigerian waters, leading to the country’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy list in 2022.
The Naval Commander stressed that continued collaboration with international partners, especially the United States, remains essential for capacity building, intelligence exchange, and tackling emerging threats in the maritime domain.
During the visit, the U.S. delegation toured the RMAC facility and received detailed briefings on its operations and impact on regional security.
In his remarks, Mr. Barker praised the Nigerian Navy’s proactive efforts and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to strengthening cooperation, particularly in maritime awareness and joint security initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea.
The visit also provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss new and evolving maritime threats, while identifying practical areas for deeper collaboration.