Nigeria, according to the Federal Government, has purchased more than 20 capital ships for the Nigerian Navy.
During the Nigerian Navy 2023 Presidential Fleet Review in Lagos on Monday, with the theme “Readiness for National Prosperity,” the President, Major General Muhhammadu Buhari (retd), made this statement.
Buhari praised the Navy’s efforts in shipbuilding as he inspected 16 of its ships as well as partner naval ships from Ghana and Italy during the exercise in the nation’s territorial waters.
The President claimed that during his administration, the Nigerian Navy fleet was vigorously recapitalized because his administration recognised an unbreakable link between maritime security and economic prosperity.
“For the Nigerian Navy, we have purchased more than 20 capital ships. Along with more than 300 inland patrol and assault craft, these ships also include landing ship transport, hydrographic survey vessels, seaward defence boats, and helicopters.
“During this fleet review, I had the privilege of putting into service three new vessels: the Italian-made NN410 helicopter, the United Arab Emirates-built NNS KADA landing ship transport, and the People’s Republic of China-provided NNS IBENO. I am extremely grateful to our ship-building partner nations for their support, which has encouraged local shipbuilding by the Nigerian Navy. I also appreciate the donation and the mutual military cooperation they have provided.
According to Buhari, piracy in the nation has significantly decreased over the past seven years, with the International Maritime Bureau delisting Nigeria from its list of piracy-prone nations in March 2022.
“I will especially praise the thorough prosecution and arraignment of MT Heroic Idun, which followed its discovery and arrest for trying to load crude oil without permission offshore Bonny in August 2022, among other things. The Navy’s determination to safeguard resources for economic prosperity is further strengthened by this successful conviction, according to Buhari.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to build indigenous ships in accordance with the country’s plan to develop local content are having a positive impact.
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