The Nigeria Navy is expecting two brand new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) before the end of this year as part of efforts aimed at providing adequate security at sea.
This was disclosed at a symposium on maritime security and safety programme in Lagos, yesterday.
Speaking on the expected arrival of the patrol vessels, Naval Captain Habib Usman speaking on behalf of the Western Naval Command of the Nigeria Navy, said the vessels are manufactured in the United State of America and the Peoples Republic of China.
The Nigeria Navy is expecting two brand new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) before the end of this year as part of efforts aimed at providing adequate security at sea.
This was disclosed at a symposium on maritime security and safety programme in Lagos, yesterday.
Speaking on the expected arrival of the patrol vessels, Naval Captain Habib Usman speaking on behalf of the Western Naval Command of the Nigeria Navy, said the vessels are manufactured in the United State of America and the Peoples Republic of China.
Captain Usman noted that, "before the end of the year, we are expecting NNS Opabuna, and other ship from the USA".
According to him, the acquisition is fully a naval affair, stressing that the expected vessel from the United States is of same size and class with NNS Thunder.
He noted that the OPV from China is a little but smaller when compared to that of NNS Thunder with a state of the art equipment.
Even though the naval captain debunked to comment on the place of deployment of the vessel, he opined that Lagos waters may most likely be the destination point.
Usman however assured," the vessels are to arrive before the end of December and that is for sure".
He said that with vessels in the place, the navy will be more present at sea noting that, "navy’s presence at sea brings about a decline in piracy and the vessels will equally scare the pirate from our waters".
"With about 400 nautical miles and 84,000 square exclusive economic zone and there is need to maintain continuous presence at sea to combat and reduce piracy", he stated.
However, he called for collaboration among maritime agencies in addressing at sea.
Usman said collaboration among all agencies at sea, coupled with additional platforms will help to reduce piracy at sea.
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