6th July, 2012
Due to the enormity of the emerging Peace Support Operation, PSO, challenges in the sub-region and other parts of the world, the Chief of Training and Operation and the Director, Peace Keeping in the Nigeria Navy has organised a two-day peace-keeping operations seminar for Naval personnel.
The seminar with the theme, Nigerian Navy Transformation and Peace Support Operations, Challenges and Prospects, took place at the Nigerian Navy Ship Quorra, in Lagos on Wednesday and Thursday.
One of the objectives of the seminar was to examine the modalities for the maritime components of the Nigerian contingent in peace support operations, and the Nigerian Navy’s pledge to the ECOWAS Standby Force, ESF, in line with the Nigerian Navy Transformation plan.
According to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral O. S. Ibrahim, across the world, Navies are being charged with PSO roles which is already taking place in the region.
He stated that, “the Nigerian Navy, as one of the leading Navies in our region ought to align itself with this trend, if only for the professional benefit.
He continued: “The calls by the ECOWAS Standby Force for the Nigerian Navy to keep to its pledge reinforces the need for us to be more engaged in Peace Support Operations, PSO.
The Chief of Naval Staff stated that with the introduction of Patrol Corvettes, the Type 209 submarines, the Operational Boat Squadron and the South African Navy is well positioned to participate in PSO on the continent should the need arise.
He commended the efforts of both East Africa and Economic Community of Central African States, ECCAS, which have activated the maritime component of their regional standby forces to address the continuous Maritime Security Challenges in their environment.
He noted that the present civil administration is aware of the situation of the Navy and has demonstrated by its commitment to recapitalize their fleet by endorsing the Naval appeal.
He also urged the Naval personnel to remain steadfast and be focused in the discharge of their professional duties as they look forward to improved platforms acquisition that would achieve and sustain the effective operational capacity for the Nigeria Navy to carry out its statutory responsibilities.
—Lucky Lawal