Along side Naval Chiefs of several Countries, The Chief Of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla arrived Venice in Italy for the 14th Trans- regional Seapower Symposium.
In a statement released by the Director of Naval Information,
Commodore A Adams- Aliu, the Symposium themed ” Spotlight On The Depths: The Underwater As New Frontier For Mankind”, had the Chief Of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, deliver a special paper on Tuesday 8th October 2024 titled” Preserving The Underwater – The Secure And Sustainable Use Of The Underwater”.
Vice Admiral EI Ogalla in his paper, highlight the achievements of the African Integrated Maritime Strategy,(AIMS) which has given cognisance to the cornucopia of the underwater, which has an abundance of resources which is crucial for an advancement of Africa’s Blue Economy.
Going further, he stated that Nigeria’s area of interest in the maritime domain, encompasses her internal waters, territorial Sea, The Exclusive Economic Zone and the entire Gulf Of Guinea. He also highlighted the vast underwater resources in the Zone including aquatic species and crude oil which has the potential of over 36 billion barrels and natural gas of 182 trillion cubic feet in reserves. It is also a medium of Seaborne trade, which accounts for over 85% of Nigeria’s trade volume. He laid emphasis on the United Nations Conference On The Law Of The Sea(UNCLOS), which states about 60% of the Oceans are outside the national jurisdiction which implies there has to be a shared responsibility for preserving and securing the underwater. The connection of countries by the Sea compels collectivism in global strategies for sustainability and safety, hence AIMS sought to foster increased wealth creation from African States by developing a Blue Economy that will thrive in an environmentally balanced Zone that preserves underwater resources.
Vice Admiral EI Ogalla ‘s paper resonated with the Naval Chiefs as it emphasized the need for a unified global effort to protect the sea and its’ resources.
The Chief Of Naval Staff, also met with the Chief Of the Italian Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino and the American Chief Of Naval Operations(CNO), Admiral Lisa Franchetti, for separate bilateral discussions for enduring partnerships, collaboration and shared commitment to security and stability in the region. They also shared ideas on an increment to counter piracy efforts in the Gulf Of Guinea.
The Italian Naval Chief, thanked Vice Admiral Ogalla for the role of the Nigerian Navy in promoting Maritime exercises such as OBANGAME Express and her participation at the 14th Trans- regional Seapower Symposium. The Nigerian Navy showcased its’ strides in assiduously working to eradicate Piracy in Nigerian waters since 2022 and exiting the International Maritime Bureau list Of Piracy prone States.
