By Gold Jeremiah
The Nigerian Navy and Dangote Group have renewed their commitment to strengthening security around the Dangote Refinery, Single Point Mooring (SPM) and other critical national assets in the Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos.
The commitment followed a meeting on Wednesday between the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, GSS, mni, and the Executive Director, Commercial, Dangote Group, Hajiya Fatima Dangote, at the Dangote Refinery, Ibeju-Lekki.
The engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration and improving naval operations to protect critical national assets and infrastructure within the Lekki Free Zone, adjoining maritime areas and the wider area of responsibility of the Western Naval Command.
Rear Admiral Mustapha said the Navy remained committed to ensuring the safety and security of strategic assets in the area.
He disclosed that the Navy was taking steps to expedite relevant approvals for the loading and offloading of petroleum products at the Dangote SPM.
The FOC, however, noted that delays caused by the laxity of some clearing agents could affect the seamless conduct of operations.
The meeting also focused on the continued deployment of Nigerian Navy ships to patrol the waters around the SPM, as well as the deployment of early-warning cameras, drones and jammers to strengthen maritime domain awareness and security around the facility.
The parties also reviewed ongoing renovation works at the temporary site of Forward Operating Base Lekki within the Dangote Free Zone.
Hajiya Fatima Dangote commended the Western Naval Command for its efforts in securing the refinery and other critical national assets within the Ibeju-Lekki axis.
She assured the Navy of the Dangote Group’s continued support for effective naval operations, stressing that a secure environment was essential for economic activities to thrive.
She also pledged that the group would intensify efforts to ensure the timely completion of renovation works at facilities occupied by Forward Operating Base Lekki.
According to her, the improvement of the facilities would enhance the welfare of naval personnel and boost the operational effectiveness of the base.
The meeting underscored the importance of closer cooperation between the private sector and security agencies in protecting critical infrastructure and sustaining economic activities in the Lekki axis.