Spain and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to work together to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, a region plagued by piracy, smuggling, and other crimes. The two countries held a joint event on Monday night in Apapa, Lagos, where the Spanish warship Bam Tornado was received by the Nigerian Navy.
The Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Jell, said the visit was part of Spain’s three-month deployment of ships within the Gulf of Guinea, which falls within the European coordinated maritime presence. He praised the leadership of the Nigerian Navy and expressed his country’s willingness to partner with Nigeria in addressing the maritime challenges.
“I must commend the leadership of the Nigerian Navy. Spain wants to partner with Nigeria in addressing maritime security,” he said.
The Commanding Officer of the Bam Tornado, David Castillo, said the purpose of the visit was to ensure maritime security and to cooperate with the coastal countries in the region. He said the ship had been in nine different countries and ports, including Togo, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire.
“We report to coastal countries any economic issues. We also report to the navy or coast guards of the country and we train together. Our focus is in maritime security and exchanging ideas to increase maritime security,” he said.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, who was represented by the Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman, said the event was significant as it coincided with the government’s efforts to develop the country’s blue economy.
“A secure maritime environment is a contributing factor to the economic prosperity of nations the world over,” he said.
He also noted that the fight against maritime insecurity was a collaborative effort that required the involvement of regional and international partners. He cited the Yaounde Code of Conduct, a framework established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The event was also attended by the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Samuela Isopi, as well as the Ambassadors of Italy, Portugal, and France. The EU has been supporting Nigeria and other countries in the region to improve their maritime capabilities and to combat piracy and other crimes.
The Gulf of Guinea is considered one of the most dangerous maritime zones in the world, accounting for 95% of the kidnappings at sea in 2020, according to the International Maritime Bureau. The region also faces threats from illegal fishing, oil theft, and human trafficking.