Navy polices 290,000 square kilometres of Nigeria’s exclusive economic zone – CNS

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, revealed that the Nigerian Navy has been actively ensuring security across Nigeria’s territorial waters, covering 84,000 nautical miles or approximately 290,000 square kilometres of exclusive economic zone.

He noted that the Navy performs a dual role: protecting the nation’s territorial waters and policing the maritime environment.

Ogalla made this disclosure during an oversight visit by members of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy to the Naval Headquarters in Abuja. He said that the Navy is one of the most demanding arms of the military due to the resources required for offshore operations.

According to Ogalla, the Nigerian Constitution assigns the Navy the responsibility of securing the maritime domain, including coastal zones, internal waters, and the exclusive economic zone.

“When we refer to Nigeria’s exclusive economic zone, we are talking about 84,000 nautical miles, which translates to approximately 290,000 square kilometres, about one-third of the nation’s landmass,” he said.

“As a dominant player in the region, the Gulf of Guinea also falls within our area of interest.”

Ogalla explained that beyond military duties, the Armed Forces Act assigns the Navy policing roles, often referred to as coast guard functions.

He stressed that the Navy’s policing role has become increasingly crucial due to its direct impact on Nigeria’s economy and national survival.

However, he pointed out that the service faces challenges in meeting its operational requirements.

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“These challenges include limited resources and maintenance issues, especially given Nigeria’s lack of industrial capacity. Most of our maintenance and procurement needs are foreign-based, which presents significant difficulties, especially with the current economic situation,” he said.

He expressed hope for continued support from the National Assembly in addressing these challenges.

Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi, acknowledged the Navy’s challenges and praised its role in safeguarding Nigeria’s blue economy.

Gagdi explained that the committee’s visit was part of its legislative oversight duties to ensure accountability in the use of taxpayers’ money by government institutions, including the Navy.

“We are here to monitor the use of public funds and ask questions where necessary. This is not about undermining any institution but ensuring accountability,” Gagdi added.