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The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s leadership role in shaping a coordinated multinational maritime security architecture for the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), and called for strategic Danish support towards this effort.
Speaking during the reception of Ambassador Jen Ole Bach Hansen, Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, at Naval Headquarters, Abuja, the CNS highlighted the significant improvement in Nigeria–Denmark defence relations, particularly in the maritime domain.
He noted Denmark’s critical reliance on the GoG for international shipping and emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to guaranteeing a secure maritime environment to sustain global trade.
The Naval Chief noted that as a central point to the engagement is the forthcoming Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF), scheduled to commence operations mid 2026.
The CNS described the CMTF as a coalition of like-minded nations designed to enhance maritime domain awareness, strengthen collective response capability, and consolidate gains against maritime threats in the region.
He advocated for Danish support in the operationalisation and long-term sustainment of the initiative.
The CNS also extended an invitation to the Danish Navy to participate in the Nigerian Navy’s International Fleet Review, as part of efforts to deepen interoperability and strategic naval cooperation.
In his remarks, Ambassador Jen Ole Bach Hansen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to an expanded partnership with Nigeria under its Africa Strategy, noting that bilateral cooperation has advanced significantly since 2024.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s recent progress in maritime security and underscored Denmark’s interest in strengthening collaboration to advance collective security outcomes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation aimed at ensuring a secure and stable maritime domain in the Gulf of Guinea.
