President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Lagos commissioned a vessel built locally at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos solely by Nigerian Navy engineers.
The vessel, a Seaward Defence Boat (SDB), named NNS Oji, is the third of its series to be locally built by the Navy following the successes of NNS Adoni, and NNS Karaduwa, commissioned also by President Buhari 2016.
Speaking at the event, President Buhari said the new addition to the country’s Naval fleet would boost their capability in defending Nigeria’s maritime boundaries.
The President commended the Navy for its professional and commitment to the nation while urging them to put to good use the newly built vessel and other recently acquired platforms including NNS Lana, Kano, Ikenne, Aba, Sokoto and Osun.
A statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity, the president said the Nigerian Navy has maintained a steady course in its drive for local content development which is in line with the philosophy of this administration.
The statement reads, ‘‘We should note that we are in a critical period where our country is faced with a serious decline in our revenue and the security challenges we are facing.
‘‘The present realities, therefore, call for prudent resource management, innovativeness, accountability and careful maintenance.
‘‘I wish to reiterate that despite these challenges, our administration is very determined to ensure that the Navy is well supported to achieve its statutory responsibilities.
‘‘Let me assure you that the Government 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.”
“The Federal Government’s commitment to properly equip the Navy with the right mix of platforms has seen the Service take delivery of NNS LANA in May this year from France.
“I commend the business dependability of Messrs OCEA Shipyard – France, the builders of our Navy’s first-ever purpose-built Offshore Survey Vessel for a conclusive and successful execution of the contract.
‘‘Local partners should share in this commendation for their efforts at local facilitation as outlined in the Government’s local content policy.”
The statement further adds that, given the present high dependence on oil and gas revenues, the Navy is undeniably a major contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic wellbeing as it is instrumental in the fight against maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea region.
‘‘Arrests of those involved in illegalities have yielded results as some pirates, illegal bunkering syndicates, pipeline vandals and other miscreants have been convicted during this year.
‘‘Such successes were made possible through the enforcement of our new anti-piracy law on Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019.
‘‘Furthermore, the provision of the new policy directives by the current administration of the Navy codified in such documents as the Nigerian Navy Strategic Plan 2021-2030; the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2021-5 and the Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy have given the Service credible guidelines and leverage for improved operational efficiency.”
The president travelled to Lagos earlier on Thursday to attend the public presentation of the autobiography of former governor of Osun State and former interim chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande. The event is expected to take place at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos state.
Buhari is the special guest of honour at the event; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, is the chief host, while Tinubu, national leader of APC, is the guest of honour.