The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (FOC WNC), Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, GSS, has paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Governor’s Office, Alausa, Lagos.

The visit was to formally introduce himself following his assumption of office as the 46th Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command in October 2025.

During the visit, Rear Admiral Mustapha expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its consistent support to the security sector, particularly in maritime security, which has contributed to sustained peace and stability in the state.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening maritime security through regular patrols of coastal and inland waterways, adopting a technology-driven approach focused on detection, deterrence, disruption, and prevention of criminal activities.

He further stated that the Command would deepen collaboration with the state in securing critical waterways to support the Blue Economy agenda of both the Federal and Lagos State Governments, especially around identified choke points.

He also conveyed the goodwill of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, (Admiralty Medal), to the Governor.

In his response, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the Nigerian Navy for its sustained efforts in securing Lagos State’s maritime environment, with particular reference to the role of NNS BEECROFT and inter-agency cooperation.

He assured the FOC WNC of the Lagos State Government’s continued partnership with the Western Naval Command to further enhance maritime security and support economic activities within the state.

Earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (FOC WNC), Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, visited the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, at the Group’s corporate headquarters in Lagos.

The visit formed part of the Nigerian Navy’s deliberate efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships with key private-sector stakeholders in support of maritime security and national economic development.

During the engagement, Rear Admiral Mustapha emphasised the critical role of the private sector in sustaining maritime security and economic growth.
He noted that the Dangote Group is a major contributor to Nigeria’s refinery, maritime, and shipping sectors, highlighting that the Dangote Refinery, located within the Western Naval Command’s Area of Responsibility, constitutes a strategic national asset that requires collective security efforts.

He reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment, under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, (Admiralty Medal), to enhanced collaboration, intelligence sharing, and operational support to ensure the safe movement of goods and personnel while combating piracy, crude oil theft, smuggling, and others.

In his response, Aliko Dangote commended the Nigerian Navy for its sustained efforts in ensuring maritime safety and security along Nigeria’s coastal and offshore corridors.

He described maritime security as fundamental to industrial development and expressed the Dangote Group’s readiness to support mutually beneficial initiatives that promote capacity building, improved security coordination, and national development.

Discussions during the visit also explored areas of partnership aimed at reinforcing a secure maritime environment that supports economic prosperity.