EU, Nigeria Strengthen Ties To Tackle Threat In Gulf Of Guinea

The European Union (EU) has expressed determination to partner with Nigeria to tackle maritime threats such as armed robbery at sea, and kidnappings of seafarers in the Gulf of Guinea.

To this effect, the first-ever joint event on strengthening Nigeria and the European Union, EU Cooperation on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea corridor on the West African Coast, was held yesterday, at the Western Naval Command, Apapa, Lagos, with a mandate to improve operational coordination and capacity building exercises.

The visiting European Union countries which included Italy, Spain, Greece and France are also expected to address threats such as illegal fishing, trafficking and transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

Two ships: Italian Navy Ship, ITN RIZZO and Spanish Navy Ship, ESPS SERVIOLA, who made a port call to the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of the cooperation, are expected to conduct a two-day capacity demonstration and joint training with the Nigerian Navy.

Speaking at the occasion, the Head of the EU delegation and EU Senior Coordinator for the Gulf of Guinea, Nicolas Berlanga, explained that the idea of strengthening cooperation with Nigeria became necessary, in order to ensure coordinated monitoring of the Gulf of Guinea by the EU and its member states.

He said the collaboration would help protect the freedom of investment and improve economic development.

He said: “It is good that we coordinate internally and engage strategically with the Nigerian Navy.