Nigeria’s Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla held bilateral talks with the American Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Admiral Lisa Franchetti on Tuesday 8 October 2024, during the 14th Trans-Regional Seapower Symposium in Venice, Italy.

The talks came in the aftermath of a paper delivered by the CNS titled

“PRESERVING THE UNDERWATER — THE SECURE & SUSTAINABLE USE OF THE UNDERWATER” where he highlighted the African Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS) which recognises the enormous resources, crucial for advancing Africa’s Blue Economy. The CNS further stated that in line with the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOSS), about 60% of the oceans are outside the National jurisdiction which implies shared responsibility for preserving and securing the underwater.

He further explained that interconnectivity of the sea also compels collectivism in global strategies for enhanced maritime security to preserve underwater resources for safe and sustainable use, hence the need for the US & Nigerian navies to keep working together for common good.

The two naval leaders discussed their enduring partnership, how U.S Navy ship visits and collaboration demonstrate shared commitment to security and stability in the region, and opportunities to increase maritime cooperation and counter piracy efforts in the Gulf of Guinea.

Admiral Franchetti thanked Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla for Nigeria’s leadership in promoting maritime cooperation during exercises such as OBANGAME Express.

The United States and Nigeria remain strong partners committed to fostering regional stability and enhancing collective security efforts.