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President Mohammadu Buhari on Thursday commissioned three warships and twenty-seven patrol boats at the Nigerian Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
The warships, Nigerian Navy Ships Unity and Karaduwa as well as the Nigerian Navy Tugboat Commander Edwin Ugwu, are the latest add-ups to the Nigerian Navy fleet.
Speaking during the commissioning event, President Buhari noted that Nigeria’s utmost security will be a mirage if security is not ensured on the waterways, hence, he commended the Nigerian Navy for moving to better ensure maritime safety in Nigeria, the sub-region, region and the world at large.
“For a littoral state with a huge dependence on her offshore resources, maritime security is vital to the nation’s well-being. Today you are afforded increased defence capacity.
“This empowerment also enhances your role as instruments of diplomacy and leadership in the region and credible standing on the global stage. The Navy’s impressive strides in the area of continued fight against maritime security threats like piracy, oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism are well known.”
The President lauded the utilisation of local materials in the development of some of the ships.
“The Nigerian Navy has shown great foresight in nurturing the vision for this ship and her sister ship. It is even more heartwarming that you have not confined your efforts to having recourse to foreign sources alone, but have braced up to take your destiny in your own hands by embarking on aggressive local complement provision to assemble your fleet.”
He expressed federal government’s support for the Nigerian Navy in the light of the country’s recession.
“The Federal Government will continue to provide your requirements within the limits of our resources. Our administration is unwavering in prioritising the commitment, readiness and willingness towards strengthening the Navy through improved training, provision of modern equipment, infrastructure and attention to welfare. I hasten however to remind you that we are at a critical period when the country faces dwindling revenues.”
The NNS Unity, which is Nigeria’s newest warship, is the second of such acquisitions from the Peoples’ Republic of China, which the president said is a product of Nigeria’s growing relationship with China.