Nigerian Navy chief Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas visiting India

The visit aims to consolidate bilateral naval relations between India and Nigeria, as also to explore new avenues for naval cooperation, read an Indian government statement.                                           

During his visit, the Chief of the Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy will hold bilateral discussions with Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff and other senior officials of the Indian Navy.

The Nigerian Navy Chief is also scheduled to meet with the Chief of the Air Staff and the Chief of the Army Staff.

India is the largest trading partner of Nigeria and Nigeria is India’s the largest trading partner in Africa. Indian Navy through the medium of Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meetings cooperates with the Nigerian Navy on many fronts which include training, exchange of Subject Matter Experts in various fields and   Hydrographic Cooperation. In addition, port calls by Indian Naval Ships, latest one being INS Tarkash in June 2017 have further strengthened the Defence cooperation with Nigeria.

After New Delhi, the Admiral is scheduled to proceed to Mumbai, Kochi and Goa where he will hold discussions with the Commanders-in-Chief of Western and Southern Naval Commands and Flag Officer Goa Area respectively.

The Admiral is also scheduled to visit various naval units, including Indian Naval training schools during his visit to Mumbai, Kochi and Goa.

"Shipbuilding issues would be pursued during the Nigerian Admiral’s visit to M/s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and M/s Goa Shipyard Limited at Mumbai and Goa respectively," it said.