…AS FG SET TO PRIORITIZE MORE INVESTMENT ON NAVAL PLATFORMS
By Okosun Dennis
Efforts by the Nigerian Navy to boost surveillance, reconnaissance and effectively govern the maritime security domain was bolstered by the induction of three fast patrol boats and three trekker helicopters by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle.
The platforms inaugurated on Saturday, 31st May, 2025 at the NNS Beecroft Jetty, Apapa, was part of the activities marking the 69th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.
The declaration of commissioning of the ships and induction of the helicopters was done by the Special Guest of Honour, Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Matawalle on behalf of the President and Commander-In-Chie of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He commended the CNS, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla for his strategic foresight that galvanized into today’s induction.
There were the reading/issuance of commissioning warrant to Commanding Officers of ships. In addition, there was the breaking of mast and hoisting of commissioning pennant, as well ss hoisting of Jack and Ensigns before the Ministrr had a guided tour of the one of the ships, NNS Ikogosi donated by the Republic of Korea.
In his remarks shortly before the hoisting of the ensigns, Dr Matawalle said that the sea has remained the nation’s economic prosperity in the past 69 years, as such, has stood as the guardian of this blue territory.
He affirmed that the acquisition of NNS SHERE, FARO and IKOGOSI, and three Augusta Westland AW109ST Trekker Helicopters into the Nigerian Navy, is a reaffirmation of the federal government to secure Nigerian’s maritime domain.
Explaining that this was another historic milestone in Nigerian Maritime security space, the minister noted that this wasn’t just a moment of celebration but a declaration of the resolve and a bold stride towards securing our nation’s future.
Dr Matawalle further stated that “These patrol ships and helicopters are force multipliers in our fight against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing and other maritime crimes. This commissioning, he averred, is a reflection of our determination to empower our institutions and protect our resources.
While appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unflinching support for the Nigerian Navy, reiterated that the acquisition of the assets have demonstrated his commitment to ensuring national security as key factor in his renewed hope agenda.
The Minister also assured the Navy of the Federal Government continued prioritization of their needs, noting that the cornerstone of a secure and prosperous economy is a strong navy.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla underscores President’s approval for the acquisition of the critical assets, which is a testament to his administration’s resolve to safeguarding national interests for our economic prosperity in line with his renewed hope agenda.
He observed that in line with NN’s statutory roles of securing the nation’s maritime domain, they would continue to carry out fleet recapitalization to enhance her operational efficiency to downgrade the nuisance value of maritime criminals’ freedom of action in our waters.
However, the CNS disclosed that more platforms were expected to join her fleet later this year that would enhance the force operational readiness to carrying out its statutory roles.
Some of these platforms, he revealed includes 2 x 76m High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels from Turkey, 3 x 46m Fast Patrol Boats from China, Tug Boats, amongst others.
Therefore, the CNS warned all maritime criminals threatening our waters that the maritime space will no longer be a safe haven for crimes as the Navy is better equipped to curb all forms of criminalities for increased economic activities and national security.
In his remarks, the Republic of Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, Vice Admiral Kim Pankyu (rtd), said the vessel given to the Nigerian Navy was to cement the diplomatic relationships which began between both nations in 1980.
“Korea and Nigeria have worked closely together in many areas like politics, economy and diplomacy. We have also developed military cooperation through training and education exchanges between our armed forces.
“Today is a very special day. A high-speed vessel from the Korean Navy begins a new journey as the Nigerian Navy’s NNS IKOGOSI. This vessel is not only a gift but a symbol of friendship and trust between Korea and Nigeria.
Accompanied by the CNS, the Minister also commissioned Base flats at the Western Naval Command, an edifice for senior officers.
Present at the induction ceremony were the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, the Nigerian Airforce counterpart, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Senate Committee Chairman on the Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel, General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Maj Gen Farouk Mijinyawa, FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Oamen and AOC, Logistics Command, Nigerian Airforce Base, Ikeja, Lagos and Commander, NNS Beecroft, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel.
Others included a representative of the Minister of Maritime and Blue Economy, a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sunday Afolayan, National President of Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), Mrs Ogalla, members of the diplomatic corps and all the spokespersons of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Airforce and Nigerian Army respectively.
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