Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence has announced plans to provide strategic sealift capacity to the African Union Commission (AUC), a move that underscores the nation’s growing military prowess and leadership in regional security.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, stated that the initiative demonstrates Nigeria’s ability to support the movement of military equipment, heavy hardware, relief materials, and troops both within Africa and beyond.
The Minister made this known during a meeting with the Inter-Ministerial Committee tasked with reviewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the African Union’s Strategic Sealift Capacity at Ship House in Abuja.
“This initiative reflects Nigeria’s leadership role and its capacity to command and control the asset while providing necessary escort services.
It is our asset, and it is befitting that we direct it,” said Dr. Matawalle, emphasizing the significance of the country’s involvement.
He further praised the committee’s ongoing work, stating, “The committee is doing good work, and their achievements will showcase Nigeria’s military capabilities to the world.”
Dr. Matawalle also reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s role in peace and security initiatives across Africa.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Defence would continue to support the committee to ensure the success of this important strategic partnership.
During the meeting, Ambassador Innocent A. Iwejuo, leader of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, briefed the Minister on the revised draft MoU and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) between Nigeria and the AUC.
He also highlighted the upcoming visit of AUC representatives to Nigeria as a key step in finalizing the agreement.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee includes representatives from the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice, the Nigerian Navy, and Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to ECOWAS.
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