The Nigerian Navy and SIFAX Group have reinforced their operational partnership in a renewed push to strengthen maritime security and protect critical economic assets within Lagos, Nigeria’s foremost port city.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha, to the headquarters of SIFAX Group in Lagos.
Speaking during the engagement, Mustapha said the visit formed part of sustained efforts to deepen collaboration with key stakeholders operating within the Command’s area of responsibility. He noted that Lagos handles a substantial share of Nigeria’s cargo throughput, making strong cooperation between the Navy and major maritime operators essential.
He disclosed that the Western Naval Command has intensified intelligence-driven operations and expanded its maritime presence to enhance security across the waterways. According to him, maintaining credible security around ports and shipping corridors is vital for uninterrupted trade, energy stability 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 such stakeholders is critical to achieving sustainable security,” he stated.
The FOC further advocated structured information-sharing mechanisms between the Navy and maritime operators, stressing that timely intelligence from industry players serves as a force multiplier in combating criminal activities in coastal communities and along vital 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 company’s longstanding partnership with the Nigerian Navy and pledged continued collaboration.
She described the Navy as a crucial partner in maintaining operational stability across the maritime value chain and expressed the company’s readiness to deepen cooperation 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 foundational to our operations, and we will continue to cooperate in ways that promote safe waterways and national development”, she said.
The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to institutionalise engagement channels, enhance early coordination on strategic initiatives, and consolidate a partnership anchored on shared responsibility for national growth and maritime security.