China’s support to Nigeria in the area of military equipment and patrol vessels has received huge commendation from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo.
Vice Admiral Gambo, while speaking at the joint handover ceremony of 46 metres vessel to the Nigerian Navy and Military Hardwares to the Nigerian Army by the People’s Republic of China on Friday October 28 at NNS BEECFROT Parade Ground Apapa, Lagos acknowledged that relationship between both countries has remained very cordial and intact over the years.
He noted 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.
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Recalled that as part of the fleet recapitalization efforts through the uncommon support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Navy acquired 2 x 95.6m Offshore Patrol Vessels from China, namely NNS CENTENARY and UNITY, joined the Nigerian Navy Fleet in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
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.
“Pertinently, the support from the People’s Republic of China which started years ago, towards enhancing capability of the Nigerian Navy to bolster presence within the maritime domain has been tremendous.
“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 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,” hVice 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.
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“I am particularly glad as today’s ceremony further consolidates the Defence bilateral agreement between the People’s Republic of China and 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 has 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, 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 these 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 these 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 these equipment and platform to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
The 46 metres vessel and military Hardwares were presented to Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Army by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jian Chun, said relation between his country has come to stay and will grow stronger as both countries have things in common assuring that the Chinese government will not relent in its support to ensure that Nigerian government defeats insecurity and banditry in the country.
