By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration aimed at strengthening maritime security and enhancing trade facilitation across the nation’s maritime domain.
The renewed commitment was highlighted on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, when the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, at the Authority’s headquarters in Marina, Lagos.
Speaking during the visit, Rear Admiral Mustapha said the engagement was designed to formally introduce himself and further consolidate the long-standing partnership between the Nigerian Navy and the NPA.
According to him, the Navy and the NPA remain strategic partners in ensuring a secure maritime environment capable of supporting efficient port operations, safe navigation and seamless trade activities.
The FOC conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to the NPA for its critical contributions to national economic development and the growth of Nigeria’s Blue Economy. He described the Authority as a key stakeholder whose role is indispensable to the smooth functioning of the maritime sector.
Rear Admiral Mustapha also commended Dr. Dantsoho for his leadership and ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and service delivery within the nation’s port system.
Highlighting the Nigerian Navy’s efforts in combating maritime crimes, he pointed to the deployment of the Falcon Eye Maritime Surveillance System and the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC), among other operational assets, which have enhanced monitoring and security within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
He reiterated the Western Naval Command’s commitment to supporting the NPA in creating a safer maritime environment that promotes trade and economic growth.
Responding, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between the Authority and the Nigerian Navy, noting that the collaboration has played a significant role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and ensuring efficient port operations.
He commended the Western Naval Command for its continued efforts in securing the nation’s waterways and protecting critical maritime infrastructure, stressing that maritime security remains fundamental to trade facilitation and port competitiveness.
Dr. Dantsoho emphasized the need for sustained cooperation between both organisations, noting that stronger synergy would further enhance port security architecture, improve operational efficiency and support the Federal Government’s drive to improve the ease of doing business.
He also called for increased operational support in the Eastern maritime corridor, expressing confidence that closer collaboration between the Navy and the NPA would yield greater benefits for the maritime sector and the national economy.
The visit featured the exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph, underscoring the shared resolve of both institutions to strengthen maritime security, facilitate trade and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
