Today in Lagos I commissioned NNS Oji, a new Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) III, built locally at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos, exclusively by Nigerian Navy engineers.
It is yet another manifestation of the success of our local content policy.
NNS Oji is the third SDB to be locally built at the Naval Dockyard Limited, after NNS Adoni, and NNS Karaduwa, which I commissioned in 2016.
In addition to the commissioning, I also performed the keel-laying ceremony for the construction of the next set of SDBs: Boat-IV and Boat-V; as well as formally inaugurated some recently acquired platforms in the Naval fleet, including NNS LANA, KANO, IKENNE, ABA, SOKOTO and OSUN.
I am pleased to note that our administration is responsible for the biggest fleet renewal effort the Nigerian Navy has seen in decades.
Earlier this year the Service took delivery of NNS LANA, our Navy’s first-ever purpose-built Offshore Survey Vessel, constructed by Messrs OCEA Shipyard of France.
A contract was also recently signed with Messrs Dearsan Shipyard Limited of Turkey, for the delivery of two brand new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).
I applaud the Navy’s efforts in the fight against maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea region. I commend the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo, and all the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Navy for all their remarkable achievements, and urge them to continue to do more.
Our administration is very determined to ensure that the Navy is well supported to achieve its statutory responsibilities. The Federal Government under my watch will continue to support the ideals of the Nigerian Navy in the performance of its constitutional duties.
God bless the Nigerian Navy, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Onward Together.
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