By Nkechi Eze
In a bid to further strengthen the already existing military relationships between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the United Kingdom Minister of State for Defence, Lord Baron Vernon Rodney Coaker, has paid an official visit to the Chief of Defence Staff. This visit marks Coaker’s first official trip outside the UK since taking office, highlighting the importance of Nigeria-UK relations. Coaker acknowledged the long-standing cordial relationship between the countries, with an aim to further enhance cooperation.
According to Lord Coaker, the UK is committed to collaborating with Nigeria to address the country’s pressing security challenges. He emphasized that both nations will unite to defend democracy, a value they both deeply cherish. This partnership aims to strengthen their democratic institutions and promote a stable, secure environment for their citizens. Lord Coaker expressed his enthusiasm for a continued, fruitful working relationship between the two countries in the near future.
The UK Minister described Nigeria as “not a mare friend but a strategic partner”. Therefore, supporting and working together has been the core objectives of UK.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshall (AVM) Shayo Olatunde expressed gratitude to the UK Minister for his visit. General Musa also acknowledged the UK’s ongoing support to the Nigerian Armed Forces, specifically highlighting their sponsorship of Nigeria’s technical team and Special Forces, which has significantly bolstered the country’s military capabilities.
The representative of the Chief of Defence Staff expressed gratitude to the UK Government for its significant support in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military especially in areas of training.
This collaboration underscores the strong security and defence partnership between the two nations, with the UK demonstrating its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security and stability.
Further more, Air Vice Marshall Shayo Olatunde took advantage of the meeting to request increased support and collaboration from the UK in key areas, including training and cyber warfare, to further enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities.
