Nigeria and African Union Forge Strategic Maritime Partnership
By Faisal A Harande
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – February 16, 2025
In a significant move to strengthen regional maritime capabilities, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Union (AU) on the Provision of Strategic Sealift.
The signing ceremony took place at the prestigious Julius Nyerere Hall within the African Union Secretariat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Co-signing the MoU on behalf of the African Union was the Commissioner of the AU Commission, marking a milestone in enhancing Africa’s security and logistics operations. The agreement aims to bolster maritime security, regional cooperation, and strategic military mobility across the continent. High-Profile Delegation Strengthens Nigeria’s Commitment.
The event witnessed the presence of key Nigerian and African Union dignitaries, underscoring the importance of the agreement. Among the high-ranking officials present were: Honourable Minister of Justice & Attorney-General of the Federation , Chief of the Naval Staff, Nigerian Navy, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) , Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and Senior officials from the African Union Commission.
Strategic Impact: Strengthening Africa’s Defence and Logistics.
The Strategic Sealift MoU is expected to play a crucial role in improving military logistics, rapid response capabilities, and regional security collaborations. By leveraging Nigeria’s expertise and naval strength, the agreement will facilitate faster deployment of AU peacekeeping forces, humanitarian aid, and military assets across Africa.
This partnership further reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to continental security and stability, reinforcing its position as a key player in Africa’s defence and diplomatic landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on this landmark defence agreement!
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