The Nigerian Navy and Dangote Group have renewed their commitment to strengthening security around the Dangote Refinery, its Single Point Mooring facility and other critical national assets in the Ibeju Lekki axis of Lagos.
The commitment followed a meeting on Wednesday between the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, GSS, mni, and the Executive Director, Commercial, Dangote Group, Hajiya Fatima Dangote, at the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju Lekki.
The engagement focused on deepening cooperation between the Navy and the private sector while improving maritime security around strategic infrastructure within the Lekki Free Zone, adjoining waters and the wider area of responsibility of the Western Naval Command.
Rear Admiral Mustapha reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to protecting strategic assets and ensuring a secure operating environment for economic activities 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 Single Point Mooring facility.
The naval commander, however, noted that delays linked to the laxity of some clearing agents could affect the smooth conduct of operations.
Security operations around the refinery were also discussed, with both sides reviewing the continued deployment of Nigerian Navy ships to patrol waters around the Single Point Mooring facility.
The meeting further considered the deployment of early warning cameras, drones and jammers to strengthen maritime domain awareness and improve the protection of the facility and surrounding waters.
The parties also reviewed ongoing renovation work at the temporary site of Forward Operating Base Lekki within the Dangote Free Zone.
Hajiya Fatima Dangote commended the Western Naval Command for its continued efforts to secure the refinery and other critical national assets in the Ibeju Lekki axis.
She assured the Navy of the Dangote Group’s continued support for effective naval operations, stressing that a secure environment remains essential for businesses and economic activities to thrive.
Fatima Dangote also pledged that Dangote Group would intensify efforts to ensure the timely completion of renovation work at facilities occupied by Forward Operating Base Lekki.
According to her, improved facilities would enhance the welfare of naval personnel while strengthening the operational effectiveness of the base.
The renewed cooperation comes as the Dangote Refinery continues to hold strategic importance for Nigeria’s energy sector and broader economic ambitions.
For African investors and businesses, stronger security around major industrial and maritime infrastructure can help improve operational reliability, protect supply chains and support long term investment.
The meeting therefore underscored the growing importance of collaboration between private companies and security agencies in protecting critical infrastructure and sustaining economic activity.
For the Lekki axis, where major industrial and logistics investments are concentrated, effective maritime security remains an important factor in maintaining investor confidence and supporting Nigeria’s industrial development.
