Photo Caption
Nigerian Officials, led by the Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar at the signing of the Memorandum of Understandng (MoU) between AU and Nigeria for strategic sea lift services
Nigeria has signed a strategic sea lifting agreement with the African Union (AU). It is meant to strengthen Africa’s peacekeeping capabilities, ensuring rapid deployment of troops and aid during crises and emergencies.
Key officials at the signing included the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla; and Director-General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed.
The signing of the agreement is a boost for the Nigerian Navy, which prides itself on its Landing Ship Tank (LST), named the NNS KADA, acquired in 2022.
At the time of its acquisition, the Nigerian Navy said the vessel, with the call sign LST 1314, would bolster the force’s sealift capability.
Specifically, it will enhance the transportation of troops, military hardware, and vehicles in the conduct of maritime security operations launched from the sea, as well as the supply of relief materials during periods of national emergency.
Furthermore, the Navy said the vessel would serve as a critical component of naval power projection for enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond. In its secondary role, the LST will play a critical role in the protection of maritime assets and the preservation of law and order at sea, thus contributing significantly to the promotion of global maritime commerce, peace, and safety.
