President Muhammadu Buhari is hopeful that given the progress made already in local construction of Seaward Vessels, the Nigerian Navy will soon begin to build large warships for itself.
He made the declaration on Monday while Speaking at the Presidential Fleet Review held at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The President declared that the Nigeria Navy’s endeavors in indigenous shipbuilding, in line with the nation’s local content development plan, have yielded positive outcomes.
He added: ‘‘Our naval engineers were wholly responsible for building 3 Seaward Defence Boats namely, NNS ANDONI, NNS KARADUWA and NNS OJI. In December 2021, I performed keel laying foundation for the construction of 2 Seaward Defence Boats, which will be ready by 2024.
‘‘At this rate, I have no doubt that our Navy will soon commence construction of larger ships for itself and other navies in the region and beyond.
‘‘This achievement is a great pride to Nigeria and an impressive contribution to national development.”
On the administration’s efforts in recapitalizing the Navy Fleet in the last seven years, the President listed the acquisition of 20 capital ships for the Navy, comprising encompassing Offshore Patrol Vessels, Landing Ship Transports, Hydrographic Survey Vessels, Seaward Defence Boats, helicopters, as well as over 300 Inshore Patrol Vessels and Assault Craft.
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During the Fleet Review, President Buhari also inaugurated several notable additions to the Navy’s fleet, including a new helicopter, NN410, manufactured in Italy, as well as the landing ship transport NNS KADA, constructed in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
He thanked the People’s Republic of China for the generous donation of NNS IBENO, highlighting the importance of mutual military cooperation with partner nations, which has also encouraged local shipbuilding efforts by the Nigerian Navy.
The President expressed immense satisfaction with the array of naval assets on display and combat readiness of the Nigerian military.
He expressed confidence that the incoming administration would continue to provide crucial support to the Nigerian Navy, maintaining the positive trajectory achieved during his own tenure.
Recognizing the nation’s pride in the navy’s numerous achievements during his eight-year administration, the President stated: ‘‘I have no doubt that the incoming administration of President-elect, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will sustain the current tempo of my administration in giving the Navy necessary support to effectively carry out its assigned tasks
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