The aptness and timeliness of the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review, particularly at a period that the great nation is having a sustained and unbroken 20 years of democratic transition, with higher potentials and hopes of a great future. Auspiciously, the Nigerian Navy has continued to play a key role in shaping this great future.
Minister of Defence, retired Major General Bashir Magashi made this declaration today at the opening ceremony of 2023 Presidential Fleet Review Maritime Discourse in honour of our outgoing President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Defence Minister who was the Special Guest of Honour said that it is imperative that the nation builds a virile, forward looking and responsive naval force that will be capable of safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment, where die-hard criminals are held bent on carrying out their nefarious activities with detrimental effect on the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy.
He said he agreed with the CNS that the complementary triune factors of the Man, Machine and Process, mirrors the sub-topics of the theme for the Presidential Fleet Review: “Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity”, and sets the tone for this Maritime Discourse.
He encouraged participants to vigorously examine and appraise the 4 sub-topics of the Discourse in such a way as to provide required tangible strategic direction to enable the Nigerian Navy deliver on its enormous tasks, which are no mean feat even for the most equipped navies.
"Therefore, as a precursor to the Presidential Fleet Review, I expect this Maritime Discourse to focus on introspecting and interrogating our strategic and operational inclinations towards promoting and supporting our navy adequately", he noted.
The Defence minister said he is convinced that this Maritime Discourse will immensely contribute to all facets of our fleet readiness for enhanced national prosperity
Earlier during his welcome address, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo said prosperity of nations particularly littorals are inextricably linked to the huge resources derived from the maritime environment.
The CNS added that any impediment within the environment due to unavailability of a prepared naval fleet, would have undesirable consequences on economic survival of nations.
He said prosperity of nations particularly littorals are inextricably linked to the huge resources derived from the maritime environment.
“As such, any impediment within the environment due to unavailability of a prepared naval fleet, would have undesirable consequences on economic survival of nations.
“These amongst others, are compelling reasons to further explore and unwrap formidable factors that can guarantee a prepared naval fleet poised to ameliorate maritime insecurity prosperity.