The Nigerian Navy and the South African Navy have concluded their maiden Naval Staff Talks aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing maritime security across Africa.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, on Sunday in Abuja.
Folorunsho said the talks, held from April 12 to April 18 at Naval Base Simon’s Town in Cape Town, provided a platform for both navies to establish a framework for sustained collaboration in protecting their maritime interests.
He said the Nigerian delegation was led by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Auwal Mustapha, while Siyabonga Makhanya headed the South African team.
According to him, the engagement, endorsed by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, and his South African counterpart, Monde Lobese, focused on maritime domain awareness, joint training, operational cooperation and capacity development.
He added that the talks are expected to strengthen joint responses to maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing and transnational organised crime.
Folorunsho said the Nigerian delegation also visited the Institute of Maritime Technology and the South African Naval Museum to gain insights into South Africa’s maritime research and naval heritage.
He further disclosed that the South African Navy is expected to participate in the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations scheduled for June 2026.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing maritime security, promoting regional stability and supporting economic prosperity across Africa.
