Business Post Contributor
By Sodeinde Temidayo David
The Nigerian Navy and the Spanish Navy are set to collaborate to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations as well as enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
This was disclosed by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Mr Jason Gbassa, on the arrival of the Spanish Navy Ship (SNS) MV VIGIA to the Command’s port.
In the explanation given by the flag officer on the visitation of the Spanish Navy, he said that collaboration between navies remains a key factor towards maintaining security over an environment particularly over a maritime environment.
“Spain, as well as other nations of the world, have found it necessary to collaborate because of the impact of criminalities on our waters to the trade between our nations.
“A secured maritime environment is a contributing factor to the economy’s prosperity of nations and we are grateful that you have joined hands with us,” he said.
According to Mr Gbassa, the visit goes beyond the military components that involve the two navies, interacting, meeting and conducting exercises alone together.
He said that there was also the trade element between Nigeria and Spain which the visit would help enhance the trade factor between the two nations.
Also, the FOC, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Admiral Kamarudeen Lawal welcomed SNS MV VIGIA and sought training opportunities for Nigerian Navy pilots to have comparative training in flight operations.
“If the Spanish Navy can oblige us with such an opportunity, it will be to a great advantage for the Nigerian Navy.
“Their visit is coming at a time when the Nigerian Navy is in dire need of training especially in the fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guniea,” Rear Adm. Lawal said.
He said that NAVTRAC’s task was to continue to train and retrain officers and ratings for an efficient Nigerian Navy.
“Recently, we graduated 19 Special Boat Services (SBS) operators from our SBS school and it is gratifying to note that nine of those officers and ratings are from Ghana Navy.
“So, on our part, we have been training sister African countries to contribute to our fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea,” the FOC said.
He further reiterated the need for the Nigerian Navy and Spanish Navy to collaborate in the area of training especially technical training for officers and ratings.
“I congratulate you on the efforts that you have been putting in the fight against piracy both in the Indian Ocean and in the Gulf of Guinea.
“I assure you that the Nigerian Navy on its part will not relent on efforts in the fight against piracy and illegal activities in our maritime environment,” Rear Adm. Lawal said.
Speaking, the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Marcelino Cabanas Ansorena said that ensuring a secured maritime environment through collaboration was important because of the volume of trade between the two countries.
“80 per cent of the trade with Nigeria goes through the Gulf of Guinea therefore, it is important for us to participate and collaborate with you.
“Training will be one part of the collaboration exercise as well as sharing information which is important to update knowledge on security about the sea and the Spanish Navy vessels,” he said.
The ambassador said that Spain would like to share its experience gathered from fighting piracy over the years with the Nigerian Navy to improve security in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Spanish Navy vessels have quite an experience in the fight against piracy even now, we have command of the Western Navy vessels at Operation Atlanta in the Indian Sea.
“So, we will like to collaborate and share these experiences that we have to improve our bond and strengthen our bilateral relationship,” Mr Ansorena said.
