Belgium, EU Strengthen Nigeria’s Maritime Security with Patrol Boats, Training
Belgium, EU Strengthen Nigeria’s Maritime Security with Patrol Boats, Training
Belgium, EU Strengthen Nigeria’s Maritime Security with Patrol Boats, Training
Belgium has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime security in Nigeria and the wider Gulf of Guinea region through closer cooperation with the Nigerian Navy, the European Union and other international partners.
The Belgian Embassy participated on 21 July 2026 in a ceremony in Lagos marking the handover of two semi-rigid inflatable high-speed patrol boats to the Nigerian Navy as part of a broader European Union-supported maritime security initiative.
The boats form part of a larger programme involving the delivery of 50 patrol boats to more than a dozen countries across West Africa, under an EU-funded programme valued at approximately €50 million. The initiative is aimed at enhancing the capacity of regional maritime forces to combat piracy, smuggling, trafficking and other forms of maritime crime.
Belgium is a participating country in the Coordinated Maritime Presences (CMP), a flexible diplomatic and operational mechanism launched as a pilot initiative in the Gulf of Guinea in January 2021. The initiative seeks to coordinate the maritime assets of participating European countries, improve maritime situational awareness and strengthen cooperation with coastal states in the region.
At the Lagos handover ceremony, Belgian Ambassador Leenknegt joined EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot and Portuguese Ambassador Paulo Santos to witness the presentation of the patrol boats to the Nigerian Navy.
The handover was conducted under the EU-funded Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) programme, which also includes specialised training to strengthen the operational capabilities of regional maritime security agencies.
As part of the programme, the Camões Institute and the Portuguese Navy provided training to Nigerian naval personnel on the operation and handling of the patrol boats. The training included practical activities in Portugal, including on the Azores Islands, further enhancing the technical capacity of the Nigerian personnel.
The Belgian Ambassador also participated in the presentation of certificates to Nigerian personnel who completed the training. The ceremony was attended by Force Commander Shettima of the Nigeria-led Common Maritime Task Force, a regional maritime security initiative established during the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations in June 2026.
The strengthened partnership highlights the growing international commitment to securing the Gulf of Guinea, one of West Africa’s most strategically important maritime zones, while supporting Nigeria’s efforts to protect its territorial waters, maritime economy and coastal communities.
The collaboration between Nigeria, Belgium, Portugal, the European Union and other regional and international partners underscores the importance of coordinated action in tackling transnational maritime crimes and promoting a safer and more secure maritime environment across West Africa.
Following the maritime security ceremony, Portuguese Navy representatives joined the Belgian Embassy in Lagos for celebrations marking Belgian National Day in Yaba.
The latest cooperation further demonstrates Belgium’s commitment to working with Nigeria and regional partners to strengthen maritime security, build institutional capacity and promote stability across the Gulf of Guinea.
Belgium, EU Strengthen Nigeria’s Maritime Security with Patrol Boats, Training
