VZCZCXRO7590
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHOS #0207/01 1131723
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 231723Z APR 09
FM AMCONSUL LAGOS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0742
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEHUJA/AMEMBASSY ABUJA 0346
RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD 0036
RUEHOR/AMEMBASSY GABORONE 0099
RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH AFB UK
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RHMCSUU/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LAGOS 000207 
 
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - HANDLE ACCORDINGLY 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR AF/W, AF/EX AND INR/AA 
STATE PASS FOR USAIC/AFR/WA TWAY, AFR/SD DATWOOD, AND EGAT 
MOTT 
STATE PASS TO USTR-AGAMA 
BAGHDAD FOR MCCULLOUGH 
BOTSWANA FOR DROUIN 
DOC FOR 3317/ITA/OA/KBURRESS AND 3130/USFC/OIO/ANESA/DHARRIS 
TREASURY FOR PETERS AND HALL 
RHMFIUU/COMUSNAVEUR NAPLES IT 
RHPHOGB/COMUSNAVEUR NAPLES IT 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV KCOR SENV NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: AFRICA PARTNERSHIP STATION FINDS 'MODEL' 
PARTNER IN LAGOS 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary: As a component part of the Africa 
Partnership Station (APS) visit of the USS Nashville to 
Lagos, a training workshop was conducted by scientists from 
the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration 
(NOAA) at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanographic and Marine 
Research (NIOMR) on March 20 through March 26.  The workshop 
was focused on training Nigerian scientists on how to exploit 
oceanographic data available in the public domain for 
research purposes.  A total of 38 Nigerians participated in 
the workshop which the APS coordinator described as a "model" 
for APS civilian programs.  The success of NOAA's 
collaboration with NIOMR underlines the value of programs 
which interact with and build the capacity of scientists and 
technicians rather than politicians and bureaucrats.  Post 
believes that the beneficiaries of these training exercises 
take away not only positive attitudes toward the United 
States but also a greater appreciation of how public 
institutions ought to function and so a greater appreciation 
of civic responsibility.  End Summary. 
 
¶2. (SBU) During the USS Nashville's APS visit to Lagos March 
17 through 27, two scientists from NOAA conducted a workshop 
with 38 Nigerian scientists from NIOMR, the University of 
Lagos, and the College of Fisheries and Marine Resources from 
March 20 through March 26.  The workshop was designed to 
demonstrate how oceanographic information in the public 
domain can be effectively utilized for research purposes. 
Augustus Vogel, the American coordinator of the civilian 
engagement component of APS, told Pol-EconOff on March 21 
that last year two Nigerian scientists from NIOMR had taken 
part in APS training off the coast of Ghana and demonstrated 
exceptional dedication and competence.  When the research 
vessel was required to take water samples hourly through the 
night, he related, only the Nigerians and Americans were on 
deck, while the other West African participants of the 
exercise stayed in their berths.  He also reported that 
unlike other West African research institutes that asked for 
grants or equipment, NIOMR requested practical training. 
Vogel told Pol-EconOff that APS plans to continue cooperative 
efforts with NIOMR in the future, focusing on training and 
research in the fields of meteorology, oceanography and 
coastal erosion. 
 
¶3. (SBU) During the opening ceremonies for the workshop, 
Pol-EconOff had the opportunity to discuss the current 
climate for academic research in Nigeria. Surprisingly, 
Professor B. Y. Abubakar, Executive Secretary of the 
Agricultural Research Council, and Dr. Jide Ayinla, Executive 
Director of NIOMR, both reported improvement in the funding 
for academic research under the Yar'Adua administration.  Dr. 
Edet of the Department of Fisheries likewise emphasized that 
since Sole Amire became Director of the Department of 
Fisheries roughly two years ago the funding for the 
Department has increased.  When questioned, Dr. Edet replied 
that the budget was not greater but "somehow" more of the 
allocated funds were available for practical work. 
 
¶4. (SBU) Comment: The success of NOAA's collaboration with 
NIOMR underlines the value of programs which interact with 
and enhance the capabilities of scientists and technicians 
rather than politicians and bureaucrats.  By working closely 
with civilian scientists, APS achieves the two-fold objective 
of increasing scientific competence in areas of importance to 
maritime capability, while strengthening the self-confidence 
and self-respect of the scientists involved. Post believes 
that the beneficiaries of these training exercises take away 
not only positive attitudes toward the United States but also 
a greater appreciation of how public institutions ought to 
 
LAGOS 00000207  002 OF 002 
 
 
function and so a greater appreciation of civic 
responsibility.  End Summary. 
 
¶5. (U) This cable was cleared by Embassy Abuja. 
BLAIR