Denmark is making efforts to strengthen its maritime security cooperation with Nigeria, with intelligence exchange and training being among the areas under consideration in order to sustain Gulf of Guinea security gains.
- Denmark and Nigeria are enhancing their maritime security cooperation, focusing on intelligence sharing and training to sustain security in the Gulf of Guinea.
- Discussions in Lagos emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the two nations to combat marine threats effectively.
- Nigeria's NIMASA Director-General highlighted the importance of intelligence exchange and proactive strategy in securing regional waters.
- Denmark expressed interest in deeper ties, acknowledging Nigeria's vital role in improving Gulf of Guinea security and advocating for continued partnership.
Discussions on this subject took place in Nigeria's current commercial hub, Lagos, where Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General Dayo Mobereola welcomed a Danish team to the agency's headquarters.
Mobereola noted that increased collaboration between the two countries will be critical in combating marine dangers.
“We need stronger cooperation in capacity building, information sharing and intelligence gathering, supported by effective integration between Nigeria and Denmark, to ensure that we can respond more effectively to emerging security challenges,” he said.
The NIMISA director-general emphasized intelligence sharing, improved cooperation, and a proactive strategy as critical to preserving the region's seas.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to defending its maritime domain and supporting regional security operations in the Gulf of Guinea.
Beyond security, he advocated for possibilities for Nigerian cadets to obtain real sea-time experience onboard ships, claiming that this would assist in training qualified mariners and establishing local knowledge.
The Danish team included Tumi Onamade, Sustainability Lead, and a senior adviser on maritime energy, water and environment at the Trade Council of Denmark. NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, disclosed the meeting in a statement.
Onamade said Denmark wanted to strengthen ties with Nigeria, noting that both countries have significant maritime interests.
She also recognised Nigeria’s role in improving security in the Gulf of Guinea and stressed the need for continued cooperation to strengthen local capabilities.
“Strengthening collaboration between Nigeria and Denmark is essential to building capacity and sustaining maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
As we look towards the next phase of this partnership, it is important to consolidate the gains made and identify practical areas for deeper cooperation,” she said.
She also stated that Denmark's marine security initiative for the Gulf of Guinea, which has been in operation for over a decade, was nearing the conclusion of its current phase in December 2026.
She stated that any future relationship should build on previous success while reflecting both countries' goals, as reported by the Punch Newspaper.
The meetings are part of continuing conversations about the future of Nigeria-Denmark maritime cooperation, such as how both nations might improve operational capabilities and maintain security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Denmark invested around $1.2 billion in Nigeria’s port infrastructure development.