Nigerian Navy Expands Media Relations Through Partnership With Women Journalists

The Nigerian Navy has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) on the promotion of national security, strategic communication and women inclusion in nation building.

The commitment was made when the National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Aisha Ibrahim led a delegation on a courtesy call on the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas in Abuja.

The visit was to formally invite the Nigerian Navy to partner with NAWOJ for the WINSEC Summit & Awards 2026 scheduled to hold on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

At the meeting, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation (CNTI), Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, reiterated the Navy’s commitment to gender inclusion, stating that female officers are still occupying strategic operational and leadership positions in the Service.

Gender inclusion is a strong belief of the Nigerian Navy. We are still actively recruiting and empowering women and many of our female officers are now in key operational and leadership roles.

Their professionalism and contributions have continued to strengthen the Service,” he said.

He also acknowledged the vital role women play in supporting military families, describing their resilience and commitment as vital to the operational effectiveness of military personnel.

The Chief of Naval Staff also assured the association of the unwavering support of the Navy, pledging its full participation and support for the forthcoming Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit & Awards 2026.

“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Navy will be part of the summit. “I can also assure you the Chief of the Naval Staff will be happy to support the initiative. “We will not only send a high level delegation to participate in the summit and its activities but also will be glad to extend support towards making the event a success,” he said.

He lauded NAWOJ for offering a platform for dialogue on security, peacebuilding and women’s participation in national development, saying the summit was timely and consistent with global efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Earlier, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, praised the Nigerian Navy for its persistent commitment to the protection of Nigeria’s maritime domain, fighting piracy and maritime crimes, protecting national critical assets and assisting the Federal Government’s Blue Economy Agenda.

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She said that the Navy is a strategic institution, whose professionalism and sacrifices contribute to the strengthening of national security and economic development.

The WINSEC Summit & Awards 2026 is designed as a national platform that will bring together leaders of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, academics, civil society organisations and media practitioners to advance discussions on peace, security and nation-building, Ibrahim said.

She called on the Nigerian Navy to be actively involved in the summit and support the initiative, adding that greater synergy between the media and security agencies is necessary to promote public confidence, responsible information dissemination and national unity.

Ibrahim also expressed NAWOJ’s interest in a long-term partnership with the Nigerian Navy through capacity-building programmes, strategic communication initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy on maritime security, environmental sustainability, women, peace and security, and youth engagement.

Both organisations expressed optimism that further collaboration between NAWOJ and the Nigerian Navy would help to deepen public understanding of security issues and contribute to a safer and more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.