Nigerian Navy Hosts Sea Power Symposium, Urges Tech-Driven Maritime Security in Africa

The Nigerian Navy opened the 2026 Sea Power for Africa Symposium in Lagos, urging African nations to adopt emerging technologies and strengthen maritime partnerships to counter growing security challenges. The event, part of the Nigerian Navy's 70th-anniversary celebrations, convened naval leaders, policymakers, and security experts from across Africa and beyond.

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I am honored to stand before you today at the 6th Sea Power for Africa Symposium and Maritime Exhibition. First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Chief of the Naval Staff and the dedicated personnel of the Nigerian Navy on their impressive 70th Anniversary. This significant milestone reflects the Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the territorial integrity of our nation within the maritime domain and beyond.

Bello Muhammed Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, highlighted the symposium's importance in addressing maritime security and fostering regional cooperation. He emphasized that navies are indispensable to the global economy, safeguarding sea lines of communication and ensuring the freedom of movement essential for international trade, which accounts for approximately 90 percent of global trade by volume.

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Navies are an indispensable aspect of the global economy as they underpin the security, stability, and freedom of movement essential for maritime trade, which constitutes approximately 90 percent of all world trade by volume.

Matawalle stressed that the transnational nature of maritime threats necessitates collective action. "It is therefore, imperative to recognise the significance of collaborative initiatives among African navies and beyond," he stated, adding that resilient partnerships can forge a credible maritime defense framework for the continent. The symposium's theme, 'Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Maritime Security in Africa,' aligns with the Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050, providing a platform for developing practical approaches to combating maritime crime.

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By safeguarding critical sea lines of communication and preventing disruptions to trade, naval forces serve as steadfast guardians of international commerce and economic stability.