Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has said that Nigeria’s plan to provide strategic Sealift capacity generation to the African Union Commission (AUC) is a demonstration of its military’s capabilities.
Matawalle, who spoke during a meeting with the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the review of the Memorandum of Understanding on African Union Strategic Sealift capacity at Ship House, Abuja, also noted that it is a further demonstration of Nigeria’s capacity to contribute significantly to the movement of military equipment, heavy hardware, relief materials, and troops within the continent and beyond.
The Minister emphasized Nigeria’s leadership role in commanding and controlling the asset, as well as providing escort services. “It is our asset, and it is befitting that we direct it,” he stated.
He commended the committee’s efforts in achieving results that will showcase Nigeria’s capabilities to the world.
Furthermore, the Minister expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment in projecting Nigeria’s efforts in the African Union peace and security initiatives, reaffirming the country’s role in advancing collective security efforts across Africa.
Dr. Matawalle said the Ministry of Defence will support the committee to succeed in their task. “I think the committee is doing a good work,” he said.
Ambassador Innocent A. Iwejuo, leader of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, thanked the Minister for the audience and briefed him on the reviewed draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) between Nigeria and the AUC.
Furthermore, he said the purpose of the visit was to brief the Honourable Minister on the progress of work done on the MoU and the forthcoming visit of the representatives of AUC to Nigeria.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises representatives from the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to ECOWAS, ECOWAS National Unit, and the Nigerian Navy.
