By Olayemi Esan
The
Spanish Navy recently paid a port call to the Western Naval Command
(WNC) of the Nigerian Navy to strengthen the long-standing partnership
between both nations, as well as reiterate its commitment to curbing
maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
The Spanish team, which
was led by the Defence Attache, Mr. Marcelino Cabanas Ansorena, and
Commanding Officer, Spanish Naval Ship MV VIGIA, Lieutenant Commander
Javier Garcia, was received by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), WNC,
Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa.
During the visit, the ship carried out
exercises/drills with selected Nigerian Navy Ships in addition to other
engagements including a visit to the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC).
In
his address during the courtesy call to his office, the FOC WNC noted
that the GoG is currently bedeviled by the activities of criminal
elements who take advantage of the limited capability of the navies in
the region to adequately secure the area.
Therefore, “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, we will do everything within our powers to
encourage and to further enhance the relationship and ensure that the
two navies work together.
“We hope that while you are here, you will
gladly share information/ intelligence with us and let us know how the
Nigerian Navy can assist to make your mission easy.
“Recall that
earlier in April, we received SNS FUROR and this is now a repeat which
goes a long way to show how Spain values her relationship with Nigeria”,
he said.
Also speaking, the FOC NAVTRAC, Rear Admiral Kamarudeen
Lawal, solicited opportunities for Nigerian Navy pilots to have
comparative training in flight operations.
He said: “If the Spanish
Navy can oblige us such 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 Guinea.”
Highlighting the role played by NAVTRAC in
training and retraining officers and ratings for an efficient Nigerian
Navy, he added that “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 were from Ghana Navy.
“So, on our
part, we have been training sister African countries so as to contribute
to our fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guniea”.
Reiterating
commitment to a secured maritime, the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr
Marceleno Ansorena, said that can be achieved through collaboration
because of the volume of trade between the two countries.
He said:
“About 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.”