By Abdul Lauya
The Defense Advisor to the High Commission of India in Nigeria, Colonel Manoj Singh, on Thursday, 31 August 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, at Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit marked Colonel Singh’s formal introduction to the Nigerian Navy following his recent appointment as India’s Defense Advisor to Nigeria.
During the engagement, Colonel Singh highlighted the longstanding defense cooperation between both countries, particularly in training programs and personnel exchange.
He assured the CNS of his commitment to strengthening the relationship between the Indian and Nigerian armed forces.
In his response, Vice Admiral Ogalla welcomed the new Defense Advisor and expressed appreciation for India’s historic support to Nigeria’s military development.
The CNS recalled India’s critical role in the establishment of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and the Nigerian Naval College (NNC).
He described the bilateral defense ties as productive and mutually beneficial, noting that they have stood the test of time.
Vice Admiral Ogalla further encouraged Colonel Singh to explore new areas of collaboration that would deepen the strategic partnership between both navies.
The visit reflects ongoing efforts by both countries to reinforce military diplomacy and adapt their cooperation to evolving regional and global security challenges.
