Islamabad, 22 April 2022 (TDI): The Chief of Defense Staff Nigerian Armed Forces, General Lucky Irabor called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad. Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters; the Naval Chief received the visiting dignitary.
During the one-on-one meeting between the dignitaries, they discussed matters of mutual interest including bilateral collaborations and regional security. The visiting dignitary appreciated the Pakistan Navy’s efforts and initiatives in support of collaborative maritime security and also stability in the Indian Ocean.
The recent visit of the Chief of Defence Staff Nigerian Armed Forces will further enhance bilateral collaboration between the Armed Forces of the two countries.
PAKISTAN-NIGERIA MILITARY RELATIONS
It is important to mention that bilateral cooperation between both began five decades ago. The relations between the two countries are strong and friendly, and it strengthens every day. The Nigerian Defense Minister described the relationship between Nigeria and Pakistan as very friendly and close; like a family tie.
Moreover, Nigeria and Pakistan are both members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Commonwealth of Nations. Shittima Musa, who was the Nigerian Defense Minister in 2009; announced that both countries were set to maintain close cooperation to keep strengthening their relations.
Musa also stated that Nigeria and Pakistan expressed their commitment to forging closer military ties. According to Musa; that cooperation would have a special focus in the areas of military training and transfer of technology.
Nigeria has expressed a desire to purchase Pakistan’s defense equipment, especially the JF-17 Thunder aircraft. The African continent represents an opportunity for Pakistan; as several African countries are in a vulnerable position in some sectors that Pakistan can help them with.
OVERVIEW OF NIGERIA-PAKISTAN RELATIONS AND AGREEMENTS
Currently, Nigeria has a High Commission in Islamabad and also a consulate-general in Karachi. Both countries have several agreements signed over the years since the establishment of relations.
Furthermore, among those agreements; the most important is the one on the law enforcement. This agreement has a special focus on the shipping of narcotics. In 2009, Musa received the Pakistani High Commissioner; where they vowed to develop their relations with a special inclination towards defense.
Nigeria proposed Pakistan increase cultural and student exchange programs.
TRADE RELATIONS
Both have sent trade delegations to each other in hopes to strengthen the trade between them. Pakistan’s main export items included textile garments, home appliances, surgical equipment, and rice. On the other side, the main exports of Nigeria to Pakistan were petroleum gas, raw cotton, and scrap vessels.
