The Nigerian Navy and SIFAX Group have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening operational collaboration aimed at enhancing maritime security and protecting critical economic assets within Lagos’ busy maritime corridor.
This renewed commitment emerged 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 said the visit formed part of ongoing efforts by the Western Naval Command to deepen relationships with key stakeholders operating within its area of responsibility. He noted that Lagos remains Nigeria’s primary maritime hub, handling a significant portion of the nation’s cargo throughput, which makes sustained collaboration between the Navy and major maritime operators essential.
According to him, the Western Naval Command has intensified intelligence-driven operations and strengthened its maritime presence across strategic waterways to ensure improved security and operational stability.
He emphasised that credible security within port environments and along shipping corridors is vital for uninterrupted trade, 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 in logistics, port operations, oil and gas, hospitality and the broader blue economy. Strengthening synergy with stakeholders like SIFAX is critical to achieving sustainable maritime security,” Mustapha stated.
The FOC also called for more structured information sharing between the Navy and private maritime operators, stressing that timely intelligence from industry stakeholders serves as a force multiplier in tackling criminal activities within coastal communities and along sea lines of communication.
Responding on behalf of the Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, the Group Coordinating Director, Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, reaffirmed the conglomerate’s longstanding relationship with the Nigerian Navy and pledged continued cooperation.
She described the Navy as a strategic partner in ensuring operational stability for businesses within the maritime value chain and expressed the company’s readiness to deepen collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including waterfront 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 fundamental to our operations, and we will continue to cooperate in initiatives that promote safe waterways and national development,” she said.
Both parties concluded the meeting with a commitment to institutionalise engagement channels, encourage early coordination on strategic initiatives and further consolidate a partnership anchored on shared responsibility for national development.
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