South African Navy chief visits Nigeria, seeks stronger ties

The Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Mosiwa Hlongwane, yesterday visited the Nigerian Navy to foster existing bi-lateral relationships between his country and Nigeria. The Chief of Naval Staff, Nigerian Navy, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, received the navy boss, Hlongwane.

The South African Navy Chief while speaking with newsmen in Western Naval Command Apapa, Lagos, said the visit was aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the navies of both countries. “The relationship with the Nigerian Navy started a long time ago in the 90s. We are here to strengthen it. The Nigerian Navy is a very competent navy and everyone regards them in a very high esteem. This visit will further make our relationship stronger and it will grow from strength to strength,’’ he said.

Hlongwane said the visit to the Nigerian Navy was reciprocal, adding that CNS also visited him earlier this year. The South African Navy Chief started his tour from the Naval Dockyard Ltd. in Victoria Island where he visited the workshop. He then moved to the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) WEY, navy town in Ojo, Lagos, where he visited the Naval Air Station, Underwater and proceeded to the Western Naval Command in Apapa, Lagos.

Other senior officers that received the South African Navy Chief with his team were: Rear-admiral Sylvanus Abba, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, the NNS BEECROFT Commander, Commodore Maurice Eno.