The Naval Dockyard Limited on Tuesday handed over Benin Navy Ship (BNS) COUFFO to the Beninoise Navy for relaunch, after extensive docking and repairs of the ship.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, said that the event was a celebration of cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin in the area of maritime security and collaboration.
Ogalla said this at the Re-launch of Benin Navy Ship COUFFO which held at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
He was represented by the Chief of Naval Engineering, Rear Adm. Baratuaipri Iyalla.
The CNS emphasised the need to lean on each other’s strength to “achieve sustainable growth through profound connections that bind us together as a global community”.
He said: “Your presence here is indicative of efforts the Nigerian Navy and the Naval Dockyard, in particular, have put towards building and nurturing strategic relationships with other African navies.
“BNS COUFFO is being relaunched today as one of the three ships that the Republic of Benin Navy brought to Nigeria for refurbishment and for repairs.
“I am aware that the last vessel, BNS MBK, is at advanced stage of completion and will soon be re-launched,” Ogalla said.
He said that the re-launch once again reaffirmed his confidence in the competence and commitment of the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Naval Dockyard Limited.
“I am glad to particularly note the achievements of the Nigerian Navy in the fight against maritime crimes and sustaining maritime safety in Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea.
“This has manifested in the repairs of over 110 Nigerian Navy and merchant ships in the last two decades, as well as the training of over 1,200 engineers and technicians.
“In 2024 alone, the Yard docked 10 Navy vessels and 17 merchant ships typifying its growing capabilities,” Ogalla said.
The CNS said that the Nigerian Navy through the Naval Dockyard was also contributing immensely to the development of indigenous shipbuilding and maintenance and building a strong and vibrant industrial base.
“Also, in the training of engineers and technicians in marine engineering and allied fields and Research & Development amongst other areas.
“This has put Nigeria in the limelight and established our collective resolve in contributing to the growth of global maritime investment and sustenance.
“Today, we as Nigerians and Africans, stand tall with pride as we have successfully achieved yet another feat that will promote maritime security, safety and trade,” he said.
Ogalla encouraged the Naval Dockyard Limited to continue to stand strong as a beacon of hope and a pacesetter in ship construction and maintenance in the Africa and the globe.
“I thank our esteemed clients, the Republic of Benin, the Chief of Naval Staff of Republic of Benin Navy and his officers and men as well as our committed and distinguished friends and partners for their support,” the CNS said.
The CNS of the Benin Navy, Capt. Hounkpatin Dossa, extended his profound gratitude to the Nigerian Dockyard Limited for their professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication in restoring their ship to optimal condition.
Dossa was represented by the Benin Navy Chief of Logistics, Cdr. Wenceslas Gbaguidi.
The CNS said that the ceremony marked more than just the relaunch of a vessel.
“It symbolises our ongoing commitment to the operational readiness, efficiency, and regional cooperation, central to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Your support and partnership have proven once again the strength of our fraternal ties and mutual trust between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin,” he said.
Dossa said that the works carried on the ship ranged from the overhaul of propulsion systems and onboard electronics to hull maintenance and habitability improvements.
“This will ensure that BNS Couffo is once again seaworthy and combat-ready. To the officers and crew, your ship is back, renewed, strengthened, and ready to serve.
“It is now your responsibility to maintain her integrity, operate her safely, and uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism.
“This will greatly enhance our patrol and surveillance capabilities, especially in our joint efforts to combat piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, and other transnational maritime threats,” the CNS said.
