China has assured to sustain her technical and military supports to Nigeria in the fight against separatists, terrorism, banditry and insecurity in the country.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jian Chun gave the assurance at the joint handover ceremony of 46 metres vessel and military hardware donated to the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Army by the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held on October 28, 2022, at NNS BEECFROT Parade Ground Apapa, Lagos, Ambassador Chun noted that the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China which was established back in 1971 has remained very cordial with both countries supporting each other’s core interest to major concerns.
While revealing that China also, is facing insecurity, terrorism and separatist problems, Chun said the donation of the 46 metres patrol vessel and military hardware was to support Nigeria in the battle against insecurity and checkmate the activities of pirates within Nigerian waters.
“We’re concerned over our insecurity. I want to let you know that China; we’re really facing insecurity. We also have the problems of separatists and terrorists. So the situation is not only in Nigeria, not only your concern but also Chinese concern.
“I want to let you know that the Chinese government, the Chinese people support Nigeria from the government level to the general public. This support I want to assure you will be sustainable, why because, Nigeria, you support China’s core interest and I believe that your support really deserves Chinese support,” he said.
“I’ll like to take this opportunity to let you know that the bilateral relationship between China and Nigeria was established back in 1971 and ever since there has not been any fundamental problem or issues between the two countries. We’re supporting each other from the core interest to the major concerns,” Ambassador Chun added.
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Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, who was also present at the handover ceremony, in his remarks acknowledged the cordial relationship that has existed between both countries, noting that China’s support to Nigeria in the area of military equipment and other logistics has been very tremendous and has enhanced Nigerian Navy capacity over the years.
“Pertinently, the support from the People’s Republic of China which started years ago, towards enhancing the capability of the Nigerian Navy to bolster presence within the maritime domain has been tremendous.
“Sequel to these acquisitions, a 46m Patrol Vessel, NNS SAGBAMA was donated by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to support Nigerian Navy operations.
“I am happy to state that these vessels and others in the fleet have enhanced Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Security operations efforts, which significantly reduced piracy within Nigeria’s maritime domain as well as the Gulf of Guinea and eventually culminated in delisting Nigeria from the list of Piracy Prone countries this year by the International Maritime Bureau,” he said.
“I am delighted that today’s donation of this 46M Patrol Vessel to the Nigerian Navy marks another milestone in the bilateral collaboration between our countries and also attests to the People’s Republic of China’s willingness and resilience to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment for socio-economic activities to thrive. I am optimistic that this vessel will further enhance Nigerian Navy’s presence at sea towards curbing insecurity within the nation’s maritime domain and beyond.
“It is on this note, that I sincerely appreciate the Government of the People’s Republic of China for this kind consideration and gesture. I also consider it most appropriate to appreciate Your Excellency, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, for your immense assistance towards actualizing this donation, the Nigerian Navy is indeed grateful,” Vice Admiral Gambo added.
Also speaking at the handover ceremony, the Special Guest of honour, Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, stressed that the gesture by the Chinese government will further consolidate the Defence bilateral agreement between both countries and aid Nigeria in the fight against insecurity.
“I am particularly glad as today’s ceremony further consolidates the Defence bilateral agreement between the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, especially with the donation of these high-grade military equipment and a maritime platform.
“I am also pleased to note that current efforts of the Federal Government towards supporting the military to combat insecurity have been impactful and yielding tremendous successes. With the support and donation of equipment and platforms from strategic partners like the People’s Republic of China, the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would be further improved. These will no doubt boost socio-economic development for enhanced national security as well as regional stability. This means that the impact of this donated equipment will not only be felt in Nigeria but in the West Africa Sub-region as well as the whole continent of Africa.
“On this note, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I sincerely appreciate the kind gesture and support extended to the Armed Forces of Nigeria by the Government of the People’s Republic of China. I accept the military equipment as well as the Patrol Vessel and assure you that this equipment and platform will be deployed to enhance operations effectiveness of the Armed Forces for improved security,” he said.
“I, therefore, seize this opportunity to once again appreciate the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Mr Cui Jian Chun for facilitating the handover of this equipment and platform to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
