By Chigozie Daniel
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, received the Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria and Benin Republic, His Excellency, Felix Costales Artieda, alongside the Commanding Officer of Spanish Navy Ship BAM Furor, Angel Garcia Estrada, and members of their delegation during a courtesy visit to Headquarters WNC, Lagos.
The visit aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations and enhancing maritime security cooperation between Nigeria and Spain, reflecting the growing naval partnership between both countries.
In his remarks, the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Estrada, appreciated the warm reception and expressed confidence in sustained collaboration between the Spanish Navy and the Nigerian Navy. The Spanish Ambassador also acknowledged the strong ties between Spain, Economic Community of West African States, and Nigeria, reaffirming Spain’s commitment to supporting maritime security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea.
Responding, the FOC WNC, on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, noted that the visit highlights a shared dedication to naval diplomacy and international cooperation. He commended Spain’s continued naval presence in the Gulf of Guinea, aligning it with the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy, and emphasized the role of the Combined Maritime Task Force in strengthening regional maritime security.
As part of the visit, a brief on the Combined Maritime Task Force – Gulf of Guinea , was presented by the Commanding Officer Nigerian Navy Ship CENTENARY, Commander NE Etuk, followed by an interactive session.
The Spanish Navy Ship BAM Furor is on a port call to Lagos from 7–12 April 2026 and is expected to conduct joint exercises with the Nigerian Navy as part of activities lined up for the visit, further enhancing interoperability and operational synergy between both navies.
The visit concluded with the exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph.