The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has hosted a delegation of naval personnel from the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in recognition of the Authority’s continued logistical and operational support for regional maritime security initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea.
The visit, which forms part of activities surrounding the Grand African NEMO Exercise, provided an opportunity for the Ivorian naval delegation to express appreciation to the SLPHA for the facilities and logistical assistance extended to participating naval forces during the regional maritime security operation.
The Grand African NEMO Exercise is a French Government-sponsored maritime security initiative involving several West African countries. It is designed to strengthen cooperation among regional navies and maritime security institutions through coordinated operations, information sharing and capacity-building activities aimed at addressing common maritime threats.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of SLPHA Management, the Authority’s Director of Finance, Andrew Tamba Kpulun, warmly welcomed the visiting naval personnel and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting regional cooperation and collective efforts to enhance maritime security.
Kpulun highlighted the strategic importance of collaboration among maritime institutions, port authorities and naval forces, noting that effective partnerships and sustained engagement remain essential to addressing the complex security challenges confronting countries within the Gulf of Guinea.
He emphasised that maritime security is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated action, mutual support and the exchange of expertise among countries in the subregion. He further underscored the importance of strengthening institutional relationships and creating an enabling environment for naval forces to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
According to the engagement, the support provided by the SLPHA demonstrates the Authority’s recognition of the importance of regional maritime security and its willingness to contribute to initiatives that promote safer and more secure maritime operations.
A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of a plaque of appreciation by the Ivorian naval delegation to the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority. The gesture was made in recognition of the Authority’s continued assistance, cooperation and logistical support to the participating naval forces during the exercise.
The presentation also served as a symbol of the cordial relationship between Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire and the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening regional maritime partnerships.
The Gulf of Guinea remains a strategically important maritime corridor for West Africa, serving as a major route for international shipping, trade, fishing and other economic activities. However, the region continues to face maritime security threats, including piracy, armed robbery at sea, illegal fishing, trafficking and other forms of organised criminal activity.
These challenges have made regional cooperation increasingly important, particularly in strengthening surveillance, improving information exchange and enhancing the operational capabilities of maritime security agencies.
Through its support for the Grand African NEMO Exercise, the SLPHA is contributing to broader regional efforts to improve coordination between maritime authorities and naval forces, while reinforcing Sierra Leone’s participation in initiatives aimed at safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea.
The engagement further demonstrates the strategic role of port authorities beyond their traditional responsibilities of facilitating trade, managing port infrastructure and providing shipping services. Their logistical capabilities and institutional partnerships can also contribute significantly to regional security and economic stability.
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority’s recognition by the Ivorian naval delegation underscores the value of cooperation and institutional support in advancing shared maritime security objectives.
As regional countries continue to strengthen their collective response to maritime threats, partnerships such as those demonstrated during the Grand African NEMO Exercise remain vital to promoting peace, security and sustainable economic development across the Gulf of Guinea.