Nigeria’s peace scholar, Prof Chris Kwaja is saying that Africa must go beyond its naval assets to acquire naval pier in a way that bolsters its capabilities to withstand all manner of maritime related threats.
Prof Kwaja who was speaking in Accra, Ghana told the International Maritime Defence Conference that a whole-of-Africa approach, through strategic partnership at the continental and regional levels is key. The conference convened by the Ghana Chief of Naval Staff also heard that investment in naval platforms that are dynamic, durable and easy to maintain.
He listed the third plank of the approach in terms of containing off shore crimes such as illegal fishing and other forms of organised crimes that take advantage of the vulnerabilities of our oceans.
Speaking on “Africa’s Naval Asset in the face of rising Insecurity” at the conference attended by African naval community and key partners from the US, UK, Italy, China, Germany, France, amongst others, Prof Kwaja insisted Africa must move beyond acquiring naval platforms, to a naval power. “We have the know how to make it happen. Leadership, expertise and goodwill”, he said.
