Navy Western Command strengthens maritime security ties with SIFAX

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigerian Navy and SIFAX Group have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper operational collaboration aimed at strengthening maritime security and protecting critical economic assets in Lagos.

The renewed partnership was reinforced during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A.A. Mustapha, to the corporate headquarters of SIFAX Group in Lagos.

Speaking during the engagement, Rear Admiral Mustapha described the visit as part of sustained efforts to build stronger relationships with key maritime stakeholders within the Command’s operational jurisdiction. He noted that Lagos remains Nigeria’s foremost maritime hub, accounting for a substantial share of the nation’s cargo throughput, making strategic collaboration between security agencies and port operators essential.

According to him, the Western Naval Command has intensified intelligence-driven patrols and expanded its maritime presence to ensure safety across inland waterways and coastal corridors. He stressed that credible security architecture around ports and shipping routes is vital to uninterrupted trade flows, energy security and sustained investor confidence.

“Our mandate is to provide a secure maritime environment where businesses can thrive. We recognise the strategic role SIFAX Group plays across logistics, port operations, oil and gas, hospitality and the broader blue economy. Strengthening synergy with such stakeholders is critical to achieving sustainable security,” Mustapha stated.

He further advocated structured information-sharing mechanisms between the Navy and private operators, explaining that timely intelligence from industry players serves as a force multiplier in combating criminal activities within coastal communities and along key sea lines of communication.

Responding on behalf of the company’s Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, the Group Coordinating Director of SIFAX Group, Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, reaffirmed the conglomerate’s longstanding relationship with the Navy and pledged continued cooperation.

She described the Navy as an indispensable partner in maintaining operational stability within the maritime value chain and expressed the company’s readiness to deepen collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including waterfront infrastructure development, port expansion and corporate support for national defence initiatives.

“SIFAX Group remains committed to sustaining and strengthening its relationship with the Nigerian Navy. Security is foundational to our operations, and we will continue to cooperate in ways that promote safe waterways and national development,” she said.

The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to institutionalise engagement channels, promote early coordination on strategic initiatives and consolidate a partnership anchored on shared responsibility for safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and advancing national development.