…HANDS OVER REFITTED SHIP TO BENIN REPUBLIC
By Okosun Dennis
The successful refit and handover of Benin Navy Ship “Matelot Brice Kpomassé” has been described as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for naval engineering and maintenance in West Africa.
In addition, strengthening the operational synergy between both navies in ensuring maritime safety, combating piracy, and promoting stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
Making this declaration at the handing over of a refitted Benin Navy Patrol Ship (Matelot Brice Kpomasse) to the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Republic of Benin Navy, Commodore Hounkpatin Alexandre at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday, 12th November, 2025, commended the Nigerian Navy in ensuring peace and economic prosperity in the maritime domain.
The patrol Ship (BNS, Matelot Brice Kpomasse (MBK), was handed over by the Admiral Superintendent of the Navy, Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu (who stood in for the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas) to the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Republic of Benin Navy, Commodore Hounakpatin Alexandre Dossa.
Rear Admiral Shehu, in his assessment of the role of the NDL noted that the NDL has remained a solid ground established for future shipbuilding as Nigeria remains at the forefront of naval shipbuilding and maritime self-reliance in Africa.
The refitting of Matelot Brice Kpomassé took about 20 months to complete, an exercise that is the first for the ship in the naval facility in Nigeria.
The handing over ceremony was held at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, 12th November 2025.
While welcoming officials of the Benin Republic, senior officers of the Nigerian Navy, defence attaches, diplomats and partners in the maritime and energy sectors, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the project, noting that this is just the beginning of a stronger partnership between the two navies.
According to him, “Today’s event is a testimony to the Nigerian Navy’s growing technical capacity and the trust reposed in us by our sister navies within the subregion. The successful refit of BNS Matelot Brice Koomasse not only strengthens Benin’s naval capabilities but also advances our shared commitment to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The refitting of the patrol ship, according to Rear Admiral Shehu, was brokered after an agreement for the docking and refitting of six Beninese naval vessels.
While elaborating on the agreement, he explained that the refit was carefully structured in two phases, with Phase One including BNS Pendjari, BNS Couffo, and BNS Matelot Brice Kpomassé, which have been completed. The second phase includes BNS Ouémeé and BNS Zou, which are currently being worked on.
“This collaboration has given us tangible results. I am most honoured and proud to announce that the Naval Dockyard Limited has successfully delivered not just one, not two, but three fully refitted ships. Additionally, two vessels are currently on the way to the unit.”
Explaining that the Naval Dockyard Limited is Nigeria’s foremost naval engineering and maintenance facility, Rear Admiral Shehu added that over the years, it has continuously extended its technical expertise to other African navies and commercial maritime partners.
The Admiral Superintendent outlined the comprehensive scope of work undertaken on the BNS Matelot Brice Kpomassé, noting that the refit involved complete restoration of the ship’s operational efficiency and seaworthiness.
“The completion of this refit represents not only a technical milestone but also a reaffirmation of our shared vision for security, stability, and economic growth within the Gulf of Guinea,” he added.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for his steadfast leadership, as well as to the Chief of Naval Staff of the Republic of Benin for his trust and partnership.
In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff of the Republic of Benin, Commodore Hounkpatin Alexandre, who was represented at the ceremony by Captain Mohammed Idrissou, the Head, Chief of Human Resources, Benin Armed Forces gave glowing appreciation to the Nigerian Navy and the Naval Dockyard Limited particularly for the “remarkable feat of naval engineering and cooperation.”
“This event signifies much more than the completion of a refit. It is proof of the technical prowess of the Nigerian Naval Dockyard Limited a company worthy of a great African nation and a trusted partner in regional maritime development,” he reiterated
Captain Idrissou observed that partnering with the Nigerian Navy has assisted his country tremendously stressing that the refitting of Matelot Brice Kpomassé was the third Benin Navy vessel to be refitted in Nigeria under the bilateral agreement.
“By pooling our technical and operational capabilities, our navies are better positioned to tackle the evolving challenges in our shared maritime domain.”
Benin Navy Ship MBK was built in China for the National Navy of the Republic of Benin in 2013. It operated for over a decade. The ship was due for a major refit.
In a contract between the Nigerian Navy and the Republic of Benin, the ship was towed to Naval Dockyard Limited last year for a complete refit.
“We are here not only to celebrate a successful handover, but to reaffirm the strength of regional maritime cooperation. Over the years, the Nigerian Navy and the Republic of Benin have forged a robust and mutually beneficial relationship, one that is rooted in shared interests, cooperation and synergy, and a combination of maritime safety and development.
Commodore Hounkpatin also extended his thanks to the highest political and military authorities of both countries, Nigeria and Benin, decision-makers, who supported and authorized the implementation of this technical partnership between the two navies, a partnership that has proved very fruitful, and of which this ceremony is a perfect illustration, he concluded.
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