By Harriet Tornguvan
Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, has stated that Nigeria’s plan to provide strategic sealift capacity to the African Union Commission (AUC) is a significant demonstration of the country's military capabilities.
Dr. Matawalle highlighted that this initiative further showcases Nigeria's capacity to efficiently support the transportation of military equipment, heavy machinery, relief materials, and troops across the African continent and beyond.
Speaking at a meeting with the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the review of the Memorandum of Understanding on the African Union Strategic Sealift Capacity held at Ship House, Abuja, the Minister underscored Nigeria's leadership in managing and coordinating these assets, including providing necessary escort services. "This is our asset, and we are rightly positioned to direct its operations," he affirmed.
He commended the committee for their diligent efforts and underscored the significance of these activities in enhancing Nigeria’s military profile on the international stage.
The Minister also reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to strengthening Nigeria's role in the African Union's peace and security efforts. He assured that the Ministry of Defence would provide full support to the committee to ensure the successful implementation of their mandate. "The committee is doing an excellent job," he said.
Ambassador Innocent A. Iwejuo, chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, expressed gratitude to the Minister for the engagement and provided an update on the revised draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) between Nigeria and the AUC. He also mentioned the upcoming visit of the AUC representatives to Nigeria as part of ongoing consultations.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee consists of representatives from the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Justice, as well as officials from Nigeria's Permanent Mission to ECOWAS, the ECOWAS National Unit, and the Nigerian Navy.
