Barely 72 hours after the Brazilian Navy Frigate, LIBERAL, departed Lagos, a British warship, the HMS TRENT, docked at the Port of Lagos Apapa Quay.
The ship, an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) operated by the Royal Navy arrived Lagos on Sunday emphasisng the importance of cooperation between the UK and Nigerian Navies in addressing insecurity within the Gulf of Guinea.
Indeed the Commanding Officer of the HMS TRENT, Commander Tim D Langford who led a crew of 45 personnel on the voyage to Lagos, expressed the honour and pleasure in engaging with officers of the Nigerian Navy especially in checkmating piracy with the waters of West Africa.
The HMS Trent is designed for: counter-piracy, anti-smuggling, fishery protection, border patrol, counter terrorism, humanitarian aid, search and rescue, general patrols and defence diplomacy.
According to the Commanding Officer, “This visit provides an opportunity for the UK and Nigeria to collaborate closely with the Nigerian Navy to counter maritime insecurity, including piracy, counter-narcotics activities, and combating illegal fishing”
Also speaking, Mr. Johnny Baxter, the Deputy British High Commissioner based in Lagos, extended a warm welcome to Commander Langford and his crew aboard HMS Trent.
He underlined the significance of the UK’s relationship with Nigeria and praised the vital support provided by the Nigerian Navy during the visit.
The Deputy High Commissioner emphasized the need for stability, safety, and prosperity in Nigeria, as it plays a pivotal role in Africa, boasting the continent’s second-largest economy and its largest population.
Baxter pointed out that the UK-Nigeria trade relationship is thriving, with a current value of €7.6 billion pounds, and expressed optimism about further economic collaboration.
When asked about the activities planned for the visit’s initial days, Commander Langford discussed collaborative efforts with the Nigerian Navy on various fronts, with a focus on countering piracy, narcotics, and other illicit maritime activities.
He stressed the importance of nations working together to address the rising problems of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, adding that the visit is a routine exercise conducted with friendly navies, especially as Nigeria remains a preferred partner for the UK, with historical ties, and expressed regret that the pandemic had delayed their return.
The Commanding Officer HMS TRENT emphasized that the presence of the vessel in Lagos it presents an opportunity for both navies to identify solutions to the problems security with the maritime environment.
He highlighted the importance of sharing lessons learned and working together at sea and in training exercises.
Finally, Commander Langford revealed that this marks only the second visit of HMS Trent to Nigeria for this purpose, with a brief hiatus due to the global pandemic.
The visit of HMS Trent to Lagos underscores the commitment of the United Kingdom to strengthening maritime security and cooperation with Nigeria, ultimately contributing to stability and prosperity in the Gulf of Guinea and the wider West African region.
The Royal Navy is here because the UK is a committed partner for Nigeria and the wider West African region.”
“We will continue to work with the Nigerian authorities to address illegal activity; improve maritime security; counter-piracy and tackle the Illegal Wildlife Trade.”
