The US Consul General in Lagos Will Stevens said his country is committed to helping the Nigeria Navy in its fight to rid Nigeria’s territorial waters of criminal activities.
Mr. Stevens made the remark when the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913) arrived at the Nigerian Naval Dockyard in Lagos for a scheduled port visit.
During the visit, Mohawk officers will meet with Nigerian Navy leadership at the Western Naval Command Headquarters in Apapa, as well as host ship tours for Nigerian government and military officials.
“Cooperation and the ability to operate together in the maritime domain are necessary to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to counter piracy, oil bunkering, illegal fishing, and other sea-based illicit activities,” Stevens said.
Stevens and Commander Andrew Pate, Mohawk’s Commanding Officer, met with Rear Adm. Yakubu Wambai, the Flag Officer Commanding of Nigeria’s Western Naval Command, to discuss the U.S. and Nigeria’s shared commitment to a safe and secure Gulf of Guinea.
The consulate said that following the port visit, Mohawk would conduct two days of at-sea engagements with the Nigerian Navy to promote maritime security cooperation.
According to the consulate, the waters surrounding the African continent are crucial for Africa’s prosperity and access to global markets. (NAN)