The Nigerian Navy has rejigged its maritime security operations to ensure protection of Nigeria’s Blue Economy, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, said on Thursday.
Ogalla said this during the 68th Anniversary of the Nigerian Navy which held at Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The anniversary kicked-off with an International Maritime Conference with the theme:“ Promoting The Blue Economy In Africa Through International Cooperation On Maritime Security”.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy has embarked on fleet recapitalisation, manpower development, indigenous shipbuilding efforts and strategic partnership to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and by extension, the Gulf of Guinea region.
“This is in line with our 2021–2030 strategic plan, and recently, the Nigerian Navy Hydrography Department was upgraded to the National Hydrographic Agency.
“This is with a view to improving charting and seabed mapping of Nigeria’s maritime domain,” he said.
Ogalla said that the Nigerian Navy’s Naval Dockyard Limited had also embarked on ship repair efforts and trainings for other friendly navies.
“For instance, the Naval Dockyard is carrying out extensive repairs of six Benin Republic Naval Ships (BNS).
“Presently, three of the ships, BNS PENDJARI, BNS CUOFFO and BNS MATELOT BRICE KPOMASSE are currently in the dock undergoing major refits.
“These activities highlight our resolve to ensure maritime security for harnessing the enormous potential of the Blue Economy for national development and economic prosperity in the region,” he said.
The CNS said that the Vice President, Kashim Shettima commissioned three new ships, two helicopters and also inspected the ongoing construction of Seaward Defense Boat (SDB) IV and V at the dockyard.
“These ships include two 32m Fast Patrol Boats and one 35m Hydrographic Offshore Survey Vessel as well as two A109SP helicopters.
“These acquisitions, ship building efforts as well as several other Offshore Patrol Vessels expected into the Nigerian Navy’s inventory within 2024, showcases our preparedness for the protection of the Blue Economy,” he said.
Ogalla said that the Regional Maritime Exercise (REMEX) involving 17 ships which includes ships of five friendly navies from Brazil, China, Cameroun, Ghana and Togo was also flagged off by Shettima.
“I must seize this opportunity to appreciate the countries participating, in the REMEX.
“Your efforts in sending your ships to participate highlights the synergy and international cooperation required to foster global maritime security,” he said.
The CNS said that the successes recorded by the Nigerian Navy was made possible by the resolve of President Bola Tinubu to provide the necessary support to the Nigerian Navy.
“I must therefore appreciate the President for his unflinching support to the Nigerian Navy,” Ogalla said.
Also, the Minister of State for Defense, Mr Bello Matawalle, appreciated the Nigerian Navy for being a symbol of pride to the nation since its establishment 68 years ago.
Matawalle said that the Nigerian Navy had carried out its duties of safeguarding the economic interests of the nation with diligence and unparalleled professionalism.
“I feel assured that the engagement and deliberations during this conference will produce innovative ways to improve on our professionalism and efficiency.
“This will translate to a secure maritime environment for the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria and all Seafarers to conduct legitimate business for economic prosperity and national development.
“Accordingly, I believe that the outcomes of this conference will contribute in actualising the vision of President Bola Tinubu, for a prosperous Nigeria,” the minister said.
