The UK has provided military aid to Nigeria since UK/Nigeria Bilateral Defence Relations were re-established in 2001. MOD engagement with Nigeria is restricted to advice and support, implemented through a small team comprising our defence adviser; a British military advisory and training team; and a liaison officer to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Secretariat.
Following a meeting between my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and President Yar’Adua in July 2008, we have developed a focussed package of training assistance to the Nigerian armed forces to improve management of military operations and effective in-shore small boat patrolling in the Niger Delta. To take this forward the MOD is supporting the development of a Joint Maritime Security Training Centre at a military site close to Lagos. A range of courses are being offered to individuals, units and HQs, leading to a common doctrine with a strong theme throughout of respect for the rule of law and human rights.