Nigeria Leads in Providing SEALIFT Capacity to African Union Commission
Oru Leonard
In a landmark move, Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence, led by Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, announced plans to provide strategic SEALIFT capacity generation ru to the African Union Commission (AUC). This bold initiative showcases Nigeria’s military capabilities and commitment to advancing collective security efforts across Africa.
During a meeting with the Inter-Ministerial Committee at Ship House, Abuja, Dr. Matawalle emphasized Nigeria’s leadership role in commanding and controlling the asset, providing escort services, and contributing significantly to the movement of military equipment, heavy hardware, relief materials, and troops within the continent and beyond.
The Minister commended the committee’s efforts, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to projecting Nigeria’s efforts in African Union peace and security initiatives. Dr. Matawalle assured the committee of the Ministry’s support, praising their progress in reviewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) between Nigeria and the AUC.
Ambassador Innocent A. Iwejuo, leader of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, briefed the Minister on the reviewed draft MoU and SOP, highlighting the forthcoming visit of AUC representatives to Nigeria. The committee’s dedication to this initiative demonstrates Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to regional security and cooperation.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises representatives from the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to ECOWAS, ECOWAS National Unit, and the Nigerian Navy.
