Tinubu vows continued support for Navy, commissions three new ships, helicopters

President BolaTinubu has assured the Nigerian Navy of his administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing its needs, stating that ‘a strong navy is the cornerstone of a secure and prosperous economy’.

The President gave the assurance, Saturday while commissioning three fast patrol vessels and three maritime surveillance helicopters into the Nigerian Navy fleet.

The commissioning of the platforms held at the Nigerian Navy Ship, BEECROFT in Apapa was part of activities lined up for the celebration of the 69th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.

Represented at the ceremony by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mattawale, Tinubu said the newly inducted assets – Nigerian Navy Ships (NNS) SHERE, FARO, and IKOGOSI, alongside three AW109 Trekker helicopters (NN 501, 502, and 503) will significantly enhance the Navy’s capabilities.

He said, “Today, we are adding 3 fast patrol boats and 3 maritime surveillance helicopters to the Nigerian Navy Fleet. This moment is not merely a ceremony; it is a declaration of resolve, a testament to progress, and a bold stride towards securing our nation’s future.

“The sea, has remained a pillar of our nation’s economic prosperity and for the past 69 years, the Nigerian Navy has stood as the guardian of this blue territory. With the additionof these formidable assets,Nigerian Navy Ships, SHERE, FARO and IKOGOSI, as well as 3 AW109 Trekker helicopters, we reaffirm our commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“These patrol ships and helicopters are force multipliers in our fight against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes. This commissioning is therefore a reflection of our determination to empower our institutions and protect our resources.”

Tinubu commended the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, under whose leadership, he said the Navy has pursued fleet modernization, bridge capability gaps, and restore pride to the naval force.

“Today’s induction is a fruit of your strategic foresight, and I commend you, your team, and all partners who turned this vision into reality.

“To the National Assembly, I must commend your bipartisan commitment to funding and oversight which are instrumental to achieving this feat. Let us sustain this unity of purpose, for the sea does not distinguish between political lines; it demands our collective vigilance, ” he said.

Emphasizing the collaborative nature of maritime security, Tinubu recognized international allies and technical partners, stating that their collaboration underscores a shared truth that “maritime security knows no borders.”

In his welcome address, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla
assured that the Nigerian Navy will continue to carry out fleet recapitalisation to enhance her operational efficiency, adding that the addition of the new platforms will enhance the navy’s capability to dominate the maritime space and deny criminal elements freedom of action.

He said the inducted ships have high endurance and are equipped with advanced surveillance as well as rapid-response capabilities.

The three Augusta Westland AW109ST Trekker Helicopters, according to him, also have long range surveillance and high endurance capabilities, stating that the platforms would complement existing maritime domain awareness capabilities to bolster surveillance and response capabilities towards emplacing maritime security for increased economic activities in the maritime environment.

The CNS extended appreciation to President Tinubu for his support to the Navy noting that the president’s approval for the assets acquisition is a testament to his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s national interest and economic prosperity.

Ogalla said the Navy is still expecting several platforms to join her fleet this year including two 76m High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels from Turkey, three 46m Fast Patrol Boats from China, Tug Boats, amongst others.

“These platforms when inducted into the Nigerian Navy fleet will enhance our operational readiness to carry out our statutory roles. We are also enhancing human capacity development through adequate technical trainings to ensure proper usage and maintenance of these platforms. This is in addition to other welfare packages to improve the morale and operational efficiency of our personnel being the most important resource of the navy, ” he said.

Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Vice Admiral Kim Pankyu (rtd), said one of the vessels was transferred from the Korean Navy to the Nigerian Navy to foster diplomatic relationships between both countries, which began in 1980.

He noted that the transfer of the vessel is not only a gift but a symbol of friendship and trust between Korea and Nigeria.

“Since diplomatic relations began in 1980, Korea and Nigeria have worked closely together in many areas politics, economy, and diplomacy. We have also developed military cooperation through training and education exchanges between our armed forces.

“I believe this ship will help both countries grow together in peace and prosperity, beyond just military cooperation, ” he said.