The Nigerian Navy is embarking on a strategic initiative to establish a Forward Operations Base (FOB) in Epe, aimed at safeguarding the substantial investments exceeding $35 billion (approximately N19 trillion) within the Lagos Free Zone. This move is a response to the growing importance of securing investments and ensuring maritime safety in a critical economic region.
During an inspection tour of the Western Fleets at the Nigerian Navy Town in Lagos, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, the Chief of the Naval Staff, addressed questions regarding the establishment of the new operational base. He highlighted that the primary objective of the new base is to provide enhanced protection for the significant investments located within the Lagos Free Zone at Epe.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s description of the Lagos Free Zone as an attractive destination for investors further emphasizes the importance of securing this economic hub. The establishment of the Lekki Deep Seaport has only added to the prominence of the region as a crucial maritime and commercial area.
Vice Admiral Ogala underlined that the new base in Epe would work in conjunction with existing naval units, including NNS BEECROFT and others situated in the Lagos area. Given the magnitude of investments and the strategic economic role of Lagos within Nigeria and the wider subregion, the Nigerian Navy considers it imperative to create this FOB.
He elaborated that these deployments and the establishment of new operational bases align with the navy’s overarching strategic guidelines, which focus on safeguarding the nation’s economy. Vice Admiral Ogala emphasized that by securing vital maritime zones, the Nigerian Navy aims to improve the overall ease of conducting business in Lagos while fostering an environment of confidence and security for both local and international investors.
“In view of the massive investments in the maritime sector and the strategic importance of Lagos to the nation’s economy and the subregion, we find it necessary to establish the FOB. All these measures are aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business in Lagos by ensuring robust security in the maritime domain,” Vice Admiral Ogala affirmed.
The establishment of the Forward Operations Base in Epe represents a proactive approach by the Nigerian Navy to address the evolving security and economic challenges within the maritime sector, ultimately contributing to the continued growth and prosperity of the Lagos Free Zone and its associated investments.
