On April 11, 2025, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), delivered a pivotal address to Naval Warfare Course 9 participants in Abuja.
Speaking at the Naval War College Nigeria, he emphasized maritime security’s role in national prosperity.
Rear Admiral SA Akinwande presented the lecture, which outlined the Navy’s strategic vision and command philosophy.
Vice Admiral Ogalla began by stressing Nigeria’s sovereign rights over its territorial waters under international law.
He specifically referenced the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which grants Nigeria 12 nautical miles of territorial sea.
Additionally, the nation claims 200 nautical miles within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), ensuring control over vital resources.
This legal framework supports Nigeria’s maritime rights and economic interests.
Nigeria’s maritime domain spans 420 nautical miles of coastline, creating 5,040 square nautical miles of sovereign territory.
Moreover, the EEZ covers 84,000 square nautical miles, representing over a third of Nigeria’s landmass.
This vast area holds significant reserves of oil, gas, and minerals, making its protection essential for the country’s economic stability.
The Chief of Naval Staff also highlighted Nigeria’s extensive inland waterways, stretching 10,000 kilometers through creeks and rivers.
Of these, 3,800 kilometers remain navigable year-round, effectively linking 28 states internally.
Externally, these routes connect with six neighboring nations, including Cameroon and Niger Republic, thereby fostering regional trade and cooperation.
Crucially, Vice Admiral Ogalla reiterated the Navy’s mandate to secure these waters against piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing.
He affirmed proactive measures to safeguard shipping lanes and boost the Blue Economy’s potential.
Furthermore, he linked maritime safety to national development, urging personnel to uphold operational excellence.
The lecture aimed to equip participants with strategic insights for tackling modern security challenges.
By aligning training with emerging threats, the Navy ensures readiness in a dynamic global environment.
Attendees gained clarity on leveraging technology and international partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime defenses.
Ultimately, the address reinforced the Navy’s statutory duty to protect territorial integrity and economic interests.
Vice Admiral Ogalla’s vision prioritizes innovation, collaboration, and sustained capacity building.
These efforts will enable Nigeria to harness maritime resources while countering regional instability.
The Naval War College continues to play a central role in shaping strategic leadership.
Through courses like NWC 9, it cultivates expertise essential for addressing complex security dilemmas.
This initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining dominance in the Gulf of Guinea.
As global maritime threats evolve, the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in adapting its tactics.
By empowering personnel with knowledge and vision, it secures not only national interests but also regional stability.
The lecture concluded with a call for unity in preserving Nigeria’s maritime heritage for future generations.
In summary, Vice Admiral Ogalla’s message blended legal clarity, economic urgency, and operational pragmatism.
His leadership reaffirms the Navy’s critical role in driving Nigeria’s prosperity through secured waters.
This strategic direction ensures the nation remains a key player in African maritime affairs.
