Nigerian military's might affirmed with provision of sealift capacity generation to AU Commission

By John Ogunsemore

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said Nigeria’s plan to provide strategic SEALIFT capacity generation to the African Union Commission (AUC) is a demonstration of her military’s capabilities.

In a Wednesday statement, Director, Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Henshaw Ogubike quoted the minister as stating this during a meeting with the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the review of the Memorandum of Understanding on African Union Strategic Sealift capacity at Ship House, Abuja.

The minister said the move has further demonstrated Nigeria’s capabilities and capacity to contribute significantly to the movement of military equipment, heavy hardware, relief materials, and troops within the continent and beyond.

He emphasised Nigeria’s leadership role in commanding and controlling the asset, as well as providing escort services.

“It is our asset, and it is befitting that we direct it,” he stated.

Matawalle commended the committee’s efforts in achieving results that will showcase Nigeria’s capabilities to the world.

Furthermore, the minister expressed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment in projecting Nigeria’s efforts in the African Union peace and security initiatives.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s role in advancing collective security efforts across Africa.

Matawalle noted that the Ministry of Defence would support the committee to succeed in their task.

“I think the committee is doing a good work,” he said.

Leader of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, Ambassador Innocent A. Iwejuo, thanked the minister for the audience and briefed him on the reviewed draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) between Nigeria and the AUC.

Furthermore, he said the purpose of the visit was to brief the minister on the progress of work done on the MoU and the forthcoming visit of the representatives of AUC to Nigeria.

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.