His Excellency Ambassador Felix Costales Artieda, accompanied by the Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Maria Higon Velasco, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, Ambassador Artieda congratulated Vice Admiral Abbas on assuming command of the Nigerian Navy and reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Spain and Nigeria. He highlighted that Spanish Navy ships routinely visit Nigerian ports, noted the recent visit of the Spanish Navy Vessel BAM BAMRAYO in October 2025.
The Ambassador expressed Spain’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Nigeria and other Gulf of Guinea nations through joint naval exercises to facilitate trade and enhance maritime security. He also praised the Nigerian Navy for its strategic role in combating transnational organized crimes and applauded its success in eradicating piracy in Nigerian waters.
In his response, Vice Admiral Abbas thanked the Ambassador for the visit and emphasized the longstanding cooperation between the two navies. He highlighted opportunities to strengthen collaboration in training, technical support, and naval shipbuilding, particularly through partnerships with ARESA Shipyard. The Chief of the Naval Staff also extended an invitation to the Spanish Navy to participate in the upcoming International Fleet Review, part of the Nigerian Navy’s 70th Anniversary celebrations.
This visit underscored the continuing commitment of both nations to foster stronger maritime ties and enhance security and trade across the Gulf of Guinea region.
