The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Nigerian Navy to enhance maritime security and bolster the state’s economic activities.
The Governor gave this assurance while receiving the new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, at the Governor’s Office in Alausa. The visit served as a formal introduction for Rear Admiral Mustapha, who assumed office as the 46th FOC in October 2025.
Strengthening Maritime Security
During the meeting, Rear Admiral Mustapha detailed the Command’s strategic shift toward a technology-driven approach to maritime safety. This strategy focuses on four key pillars:
- Detection of potential threats.
- Deterrence of maritime crimes.
- Disruption of illegal networks.
- Prevention of criminal activities.
The FOC emphasized that the Command will increase patrols across coastal and inland waterways, with a specific focus on “choke points” to protect the Blue Economy—a priority for both the Federal and Lagos State governments.
Inter-Agency Collaboration
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the Nigerian Navy for its consistent efforts in maintaining peace, specifically citing the contributions of NNS BEECROFT and the Navy’s success in inter-agency cooperation.
”We remain committed to our partnership with the Western Naval Command to ensure our maritime environment remains secure for trade and investment,” the Governor stated.
Rear Admiral Mustapha also conveyed the goodwill of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, thanking the state government for its sustained logistical and moral support to the security sector.
