Two war vessels on the fleet of 108 years old Royal Canadian Navy on Monday began landmark two-week visit to Nigeria. The two vessels, HMCS Summerside and HMCS Kingston were received by Flag Officer, Commanding Western Naval Command, FOC, Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abbah in Lagos who said Nigeria hopes to benefit from the age-old experience of the Canadian Navy.
“Canadian Royal Navy came into existence since 1910 and has participated in the first, second world wars and other wars, including United Nations Peace Keeping wars.
“You have the experience and with your strategic location at the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic ocean, we hope to tap from your wealth of experience. During the one-week stay of the ships, they will participate in Obagame Express, a maritime operation conducted by the United States of America Forces. The exercise is aimed at boosting maritime security in the pirate-infested Gulf of Guinea.
Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, Vice Adm. Ron Llyod, said the diplomatic visit is purposed to improve the efficiency of the Nigerian navy and to participate in the U.S organized exercise
“This visit is aimed at fostering the existing bilateral relationships and to boost the capacity of military personnel in Nigeria.
“We are looking into supporting our excellency (High Commissioner) with respect to Canadian relationship in Nigeria and we are proud to have two Canadian ships: HMCS Summer Side and HMCS Kingston that will operate in the exercise.”
The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christopher Thornley, said the visit of the vessels will foster Canada – Nigeria’s bilateral relations: “Our bilateral relationship is going on and this is a step in the right direction to see military cooperation as part of multilateral exercise Operation Obagame.”