Dangote assures Navy of support as security operations around refinery, Lekki SPM Intensify

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Dangote Group has pledged sustained support for the Nigerian Navy as security operations around the Dangote Refinery, Single Point Mooring (SPM) and other critical assets in the Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos are intensified.

The assurance was given by the Executive Director, Commercial, Dangote Group, Hajiya Fatima Dangote, during a meeting with the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, GSS, mni, at the Dangote Refinery, Ibeju-Lekki.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Navy and the Dangote Group in protecting critical national infrastructure within the Lekki Free Zone, adjoining maritime areas and the wider area of responsibility of the Western Naval Command.

Fatima Dangote commended the Western Naval Command for its efforts to secure the refinery and other strategic assets in the area, stressing that security remained essential to the success of investments and economic activities.

She assured the Navy that the Dangote Group would continue to support measures aimed at enhancing effective naval operations around the facility.

She also pledged to intensify efforts to ensure the timely completion of renovation works at facilities occupied by the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Lekki.

According to her, improved facilities would enhance the welfare of naval personnel and strengthen the operational capacity of the base.

Navy steps up surveillance around SPM

Aliko Dangote when the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, paid him a courtesy visit at the Group’s corporate headquarters in Lagos last January

The FOC, Rear Admiral Mustapha, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding strategic national assets around Ibeju-Lekki.

He disclosed that the Navy was taking steps to expedite relevant approvals required for the loading and offloading of petroleum products at the Dangote SPM.

Mustapha, however, noted that delays arising from the activities of some clearing agents could affect the smooth conduct of operations and urged stakeholders to ensure that necessary processes were completed promptly.

The meeting also reviewed the continued deployment of Nigerian Navy ships to patrol the waters around the SPM as part of efforts to strengthen maritime security and deter criminal activities.

In addition to physical patrols, the Navy is deploying technology-driven security measures, including early-warning cameras, drones and jammers, to enhance surveillance and maritime domain awareness around the facility.

The deployment is expected to improve the Navy’s ability to detect potential threats and respond quickly to security incidents around the refinery’s maritime operations.

FOB Lekki renovation reviewed

The parties also reviewed ongoing renovation works at the temporary site of Forward Operating Base Lekki within the Dangote Free Zone.

The base is expected to provide the Navy with a stronger operational presence within the area and enhance its capacity to monitor and respond to security concerns around the refinery, SPM and adjoining waterways.

The discussions underscored the importance of closer cooperation between the private sector and security agencies in protecting critical infrastructure.

The Dangote Refinery and its associated maritime facilities are strategic components of Nigeria’s energy infrastructure, making the security of the facility and its surrounding waters important to the smooth operation of petroleum-related activities.

The renewed collaboration is expected to improve coordination between the Dangote Group and the Navy, strengthen maritime surveillance and provide a more secure operating environment for economic activities within the Lekki axis.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the partnership and ensuring that security challenges do not undermine the operations of critical national assets in the area.