The Nigerian Navy and the South African Navy have concluded their maiden Naval Staff Talks, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing maritime security across Africa.

This was announced in a statement on Sunday. It said the talks, held from April 12 to 18 at Naval Base Simon’s Town in Cape Town, provided a platform for both navies to establish a framework for sustained collaboration in protecting their maritime interests.

It disclosed that the Nigerian delegation was led by the flag officer commanding the western naval command, Auwal Mustapha, while Siyabonga Makhanya headed the South African team.

The engagement, endorsed by the chief of the naval staff, Idi Abbas, and his South African counterpart, Monde Lobese, focused on key areas including maritime domain awareness, joint training, operational cooperation and capacity development.

“The talks are expected to yield practical outcomes that will strengthen joint responses to maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing and transnational organised crime.

“As part of the visit, the Nigerian delegation toured the Institute of Maritime Technology and the South African Naval Museum, where they gained insights into South Africa’s maritime research and naval heritage,” he said.

It added that the South African Navy is expected to participate in the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations scheduled for June 2026, providing an opportunity to consolidate agreements reached during the talks.

It reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing maritime security, promoting regional stability and supporting economic prosperity across the African continent. 

(NAN)