Nigerian Navy receives 51st Pakistani Navy Course members in Lagos
The Nigerian Navy Western Naval Command HQ Office on Monday received members of the 51st Pakistani Navy Course, who would be in Lagos from 5-10 March, 2022.
The delegation led by Commodore Imran Ul-Haq, was warmly received by the Chief Staff Officer of the Command, Rear Admiral Hamza Kaoje, who represented the Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Yakubu Wambai.
Speaking on the purpose of the team, Commodore Ul-Haq said it was to expose the course participants to the military culture and operational activities in Nigeria.
His words: “On the purpose of this visit, we want course participants to have knowledge of how the navies are working, what their operations are and how they are performing, and what things we can learn and share experience with them.”
He noted that the already existing relationship which made it possible for the course participants to be visiting Nigeria would be further deepened for the good of both countries.
“We have a good existing relationship, and as nations, we both have good collaboration, and we hope that it would be furthered between the nations and the Armed Forces in particular,” he said.
OnepageAfrica reports that visit of this nature is traditional with navies of countries that enjoy good existing relationships and they use the opportunity to share useful knowledge and experiences.
Welcoming the visitors, Rear Admiral Kaoje restated that both countries enjoy a healthy relationship as a number of senior officers including himself, have had reasons to either be educated in Pakistan or attended a special training.
He, therefore, encouraged members of the team to feel at home and ask questions concerning things of their interest in the Nigerian Navy’s activities.
“So sir, you are welcome and I hope you will have a nice stay here. Fell free and we will be open to you and I assure you we will brief you on all our activities.
“Nigeria and Pakistan have a good and long relationship. Most of our senior officers, serving and retired were trained in Pakistan including the Army, Navy and Air force. Most of them were trained in Air War College in Karachi and the Pakistan War College in Lahore.
“It will interest you to know that we had some cadets in Kakul, in Military Academy, we also had some cadets in naval Academy in Karachi. I did my Master’s programm in National Defence University and I was a Defence Attaché in Pakistan between 2011 and 2014.
“Also, recently, some of your vessels visit us and have training sessions with us. As recently as 2021, one of your navy medical services was here and they rendered some services to our people here. We appreciate that.
“The Pakistan Navy has been providing us with equipment, especially in the Air Force. Some of your Air Force members were here in our tactical command to train some of our pilots. So, Nigeria and Pakistan have had a long relationship before now. I am surprised we don’t have a Nigerian in your team,” Rear Adm. Kaoje added.
The visiting course participants would be exposed to some activities by the Nigerian Navy, including its role in maritime domain awareness, combating piracy, illegal oil bunkering, drug trafficking.
