CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF WELCOME REMARKS FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM MINISTER FOR THE ARMED FORCES VISIT TO NAVAL HEADQUARTERS ON MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021
1. On behalf of the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the NN, I have the honour to once again warmly welcome the United Kingdom Minister for the Armed Forces, Rt Hon James Heappey MP to the Naval Headquarters. I am particularly delighted to note that the United Kingdom has remained Nigeria’s strongest ally and Nigeria has maintained a strong relation with the UK. Accordingly, both countries share common concerns as it relates to security including maritime security.
2. Notably, the bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom have blossomed overtime. The UK remains the only country with robust defence bilateral cooperation with the NN. Most of these bilateral agreements are in the area of training support, operational support, equipment support and ongoing bi-lateral between NN and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in the UK. Other areas of engagement are conferences/seminars and workshops, verification of certificates and due diligence investigation as well as foreign liaison engagements and request for information procedure.
3. Accordingly, the British Government has continued to work with the NN to strengthen own capacity in dealing with BHT through the expansion in training assistance that the UK provides to the NN via the British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT). BMATT has assisted in training NN personnel in many areas. On Equipment Support, the UK Government through its Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA) is creating an enabling environment for the Nigeria Government to procure defence equipment from British companies. Accordingly, the NN has continued to collaborate with necessary authority to ensure that it benefits from the wide range of excess defence equipment on offer by the UK MOD.
4. Her Majesty’s Government is currently reviewing the United Kingdom’s programming and policy options for the Gulf of Guinea for the financial Year 21/22 and beyond. Accordingly, the Conflict Stability and Security Fund West Africa (CSSF WA) has commissioned a Cross Governmental review of the Gulf of Guinea to drive and actualise the process. Notably, the Gulf of Guinea is currently bedevilled by the activities of criminal elements who take advantage of limited capability of the navies of the region to adequately secure the area. The threat posed by the activities of these criminal elements constitute a major challenge not only to the littoral states but equally undermines global trade and regional development. Thus, the interest of the United Kingdom Government in the security situation of the Gulf of Guinea is a welcome development. It is expected that the engagements of the UK government with the navies of the Gulf of Guinea would enhance the capacities and capabilities of the maritime forces and boost their Maritime Security operations efforts. It is believed that this visit is geared towards realising the intention of the UK government working with the navies of the region towards improving the security in the Gulf of Guinea. No doubt Nigeria and the UK government can leverage on the existing bilateral relations to extend the frontier of our engagements for a better security in the Gulf of Guinea.
5. Pertinently, Nigeria’s strategic disposition in the Gulf of Guinea has saddled her with the responsibility and mutual expectations for the common security of member states. The NN has been instrumental to the collaborative efforts by the navies in the region to meet the prevailing maritime security challenges. The brief on NN Maritime Security Operations in the Gulf of Guinea will highlight the NN efforts in maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
6. On this note, I most sincerely thank the Rt Hon Minister and his entourage. I have no doubt that this visit will further strengthen the existing cordial bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom governments including our navies. May I also seize this opportunity to enjoin our guests to take advantage of this visit and enjoy the warm Nigerian hospitality. Thank you, God bless and Onward Together.