The Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Ignacio, has lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Navy at quelling and decreasing piracy and sea crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

Mr Ignacio made this commendation on Wednesday during the Spanish Navy Warship BAM METEORO courtesy visit to the Western Naval Command, Apapa, Lagos State.

The four-day courtesy call is from September 24 to September 27.

The ambassador said that the visit of the warship to Nigerian waters was to improve the existing bilateral relationship between the two countries as well as security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Spanish envoy said, “Maritime security is one for all, and we are interested in having safe seas and safe waters for a prosperous maritime business environment. This is a responsibility on the coastal states of the region in which the leadership of the Nigerian Navy surpasses others with more capacity and capabilities in the region. Our role under this coordinated maritime presence is to help with sea exercises and to collaborate in order to learn from each other.’’

He said that few changes had been added to the sea exercise, adding that among the changes, he was particularly delighted to have two distinguished Nigerian Navy officers aboard the Spanish warship.

Mr Ignacio said, “This kind of development keeps on changing the nature of our relations from being a frequent visitor to becoming a true partnership, which is very relevant. The sea exercise will span over two months.’’

Responding, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Christopher Hassan, said that this was the second time the Spanish ship was visiting Nigeria in the past year.

He said, “This is a powerful message to indicate the level of collaboration between Nigeria and Spain. The Spanish warship’s visit is part of the coordinated maritime presence initiative of the European Union aimed at enhancing security in the Gulf of Guinea. So far, they came in with no negative report, which is an indication of the level of suppression of crime in the Nigerian maritime waters and the Gulf of Guinea.’’

The FOC said that the involvement of Nigerian naval officers aboard the Spanish warship during the exercise would help in the exchange of ideas as well as facilitate their modus operandi. 

(NAN)