Emmanuel Daudu
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle (MON), has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing African security by providing strategic sealift capacity to the African Union Commission (AUC).
This initiative, according to Dr. Matawalle, is a demonstration of Nigeria’s military strength and ability to transport military equipment, heavy hardware, relief materials, and troops across Africa and beyond.
In a meeting held at Ship House, Abuja, with the Inter-Ministerial Committee responsible for reviewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on African Union Strategic Sealift capacity, Dr. Matawalle emphasized Nigeria’s leadership role in managing the sealift assets.
He further highlighted the country’s capacity to provide necessary escort services. “It is our asset, and it is befitting that we direct it,” he stated.
The Minister praised the committee for their work in showcasing Nigeria’s growing military capabilities and reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the country’s role in African Union peace and security initiatives.
Dr. Matawalle assured that the Ministry of Defence would continue supporting the committee’s efforts to ensure success. “The committee is doing good work,” he added.
Ambassador Innocent A. Iwejuo, leader of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, briefed the Minister on the reviewed draft MoU and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) between Nigeria and the AUC.
Iwejuo also informed the Minister about the upcoming visit of AUC representatives to Nigeria.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee includes representatives from the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice, the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to ECOWAS, ECOWAS National Unit, and the Nigerian Navy.
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