Nigerian Navy Benefits From $3m Training Support From US Navy

The Nigerian Navy has benefited up to a total of $3m training support from the United States (US) Navy in the last three years...

The Commander United States Naval Forces for Europe and Africa, Admiral Michelle Howard, stated this during an invetiture of Navy Captain Kolawole Oguntuga with the US Meritorious Service Medal for oustanding performance as Assistant Naval Atache at the Nigerian Embassy in Washinton DC, from January 2014-January 2017, at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.

Howard, the first African-American 4-star female Naval Admiral in the US Navy, said Oguntuga’s personal contributions has helped advanced cooperation between Nigeria and US by facilitating visas for over 100 US personnel and training team; while at the same time supporting critical bilateral cooperation on counterterrorism, humanitrian assistance and capacity building of Nigerian Armed Focers.

His counsel, she said, was “instrumental to advancing US initiatives to assist the Nigerian Navy with repairing and refurbishing two of its ships and signing of a three million dollars follow-on training and support to enhance the operational readiness of the Nigerian Navy fleet.”

“He also ensured the successful execution of the US Navy Secretary’s Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security Dialogue, and Chief of Naval Operation’s International Seapower Symposium, where the Chief of Naval Staff attended as the keynote speaker.”

The letter of commendation signed by the US Navy Secretary on behalf of the US President, also acknowledged Oguntuga’s personal contributions which has greatly enhanced understanding, cooperation and strenghtened relations between the US and the Nigerian Navy.

Captain Oguntuga is currently the Commanding Officer NNS OLOGBO, one of the cat-class patrol craft acquired from the United States in 2005.

Howard, later held a closed door meeting with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas on sundry bilateral issues including maritime collaboration and the significant contributions Nigeria can make in confronting security challenges and enhancing regional statbility.

The United States Naval forces Europe-Africa oversees joint and naval operations in concert with allied, joint and interagency partners, to enure enduring relationships and increased vigilance and resilience in Europe and Africa.