AU Commissioner Backs Nigerian Navy, Pushes for Regional Maritime Cooperation

By Zainab Uzomah

The African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, has praised the Nigerian Navy for what he described as significant achievements in maritime security during a visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at Naval Headquarters in Abuja on 5 February 2026.

In a statement signed by Captain AA Folorunsho, Acting Director of Information, the Navy said Ambassador Adeoye commended Nigeria’s success in eliminating piracy incidents since its removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy list in 2022. The AU Commissioner also highlighted the Navy’s strong contributions to countering transnational maritime crimes through close cooperation with Gulf of Guinea navies.

Ambassador Adeoye proposed a pan-African naval exercise in 2027 to strengthen collaboration among African navies and urged Nigeria to maintain its leadership role. He noted that the recent Global Firepower ranking placed Nigeria as having the strongest naval fleet on the continent, describing the country as well-positioned to help drive continental maritime initiatives.

He further encouraged the Nigerian Navy to organise a regional naval exercise involving navies within ECOWAS Maritime Zone E and other willing countries, saying such drills would deepen joint operational readiness, enhance maritime security, and serve as a model for future Africa-wide exercises. He emphasised that collective action remained essential for tackling transnational maritime crimes, describing Nigeria’s leadership in the Gulf of Guinea as exemplary.

Responding, Vice Admiral Abbas welcomed the AU Commissioner and acknowledged the African Union’s efforts to promote peace and stability across the continent. He said the Nigerian Navy would review the proposal for regional and continental exercises under the framework of the Combined Maritime Task Force. The Naval Chief reaffirmed the service’s commitment to maintaining a secure maritime domain and preventing criminal activities in Nigerian waters.