The United States Defense Attaché, Col. William Schaum, paid a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Yakubu Wambai, on Monday. The Naval Attaché and other team members were also present.
Col. Schaum shared his excitement at visiting Lagos for the first time as the Defense Attaché with reporters during a meeting behind closed doors and praised the city’s beauty.
He claimed that the trip will provide him the chance to speak with the Western Naval Command, hear their worries, and strengthen the already-existing relationship.
“This is my first chance as the American Defense Attaché to visit Lagos and see your lovely city and the fantastic work the Nigerian Navy is doing.
“I’m taking advantage of this meeting with the Western fleet to learn about their problems and to keep up the excellent relationship between the US Defense Department, namely the Navy, and the Nigerian Navy.
Col. Schaum added, “I’m eager to explore some of the other places and see the excellent work being done by one of the most professional navies here on the African Continent.
The Director of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Mr. Jason Smith, and the Maritime Programme Officer, Lt. CDR. Danniele Garbarino, were also members of the team.
Speaking, Admiral Wambai complimented the navy personnel’s commitment, diligence, and professionalism for the nation’s maritime domain’s sustained increased security.
He added that the Nigerian navy would continue to make every effort to maintain the record of zero piracy over the previous six months, even though the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) delisted Nigeria from the group of countries that are prone to pirate.
In his own words: “What you have witnessed is a blend of commitment, intelligence, and professionalism. Every naval officer takes great pride in the accomplishment of this goal, which the Navy has worked hard to reach.
“But it also means that we need to keep working even harder than before. While it is simple to reach the top, keeping it there is really challenging. To keep our country off the list of nations with a high risk of piracy, we must continue to be more devoted.
It is remarkable that the IMB’s mid-year 2022 report indicates a decline in piracy, and that the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) also highly praised the accomplishment.
The largest direct-membership association for shipowners, charterers, shipbrokers, and agents in the world is called BIMCO.
Importantly, the Nigerian Navy was praised for its efforts in eradicating pirate camps.
