The Central Naval Command has intensified its strategic engagements with key maritime players, following back-to-back sessions aimed at securing Nigeria’s blue economy and hitting national production targets.

The flag officer commanding, Suleiman Ibrahim, hosted a high-level meeting with maritime stakeholders and industry partners on Wednesday.

It followed a similar robust engagement held on Tuesday with major oil exploration companies.

Both sessions were characterised by intense, productive discussions on neutralising threats to Nigeria’s economic heartbeat.

A major highlight of the Tuesday meeting with oil executives was the collective resolve to meet the federal government’s production goals.

Addressing the gathering during his maiden meeting with maritime partners, he restated that the navy’s primary role is to create an enabling environment for such national targets to be met.

“Stakeholders and the navy concluded the session with a strong assurance that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate of 2.5 million barrels per day is doable and achievable. If all parties synchronise their efforts toward eliminating crude oil theft and operational disruptions. Maritime security is a collective responsibility.

“Sustainable outcomes can only be achieved through close collaboration and mutual understanding between the Nigerian Navy and you, our industry partners whose assets, personnel, and investments we protect,” he said.

The FOC further assured the stakeholders of the chief of the naval staff’s continuous support and unwavering dedication to the command’s mission.

He noted that the CNS remains committed to providing the necessary platforms and strategic leadership required to optimise security deployments across the CNS area of responsibility.

The dual engagements provided a platform to review the evolving security landscape and assess emerging threats.

Mr Ibrahim encouraged “frank and constructive engagement”, noting that the feedback from industry partners is vital for improving the navy’s service delivery and operational effectiveness.

(NAN)