The Nigerian Navy's proactive efforts to enhance maritime security, modernize its fleet, develop its manpower, and foster strategic partnerships to ensure the security of Nigeria's maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea region, in line with its 2021-2030 strategic plan.
The Chief Of Naval Staff, (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla said this on Thursday, 30th May 2024 at the opening ceremony of the 2024 International Maritime Conference where President Tinubu commissioned 3 new ships at Naval Dockyard Limited.
The Naval Chief noted that the Nigerian Navy has rejigged its maritime security operations to ensure protection of Nigeria’s Blue Economy in accordance with her statutory mandate.
He noted that the Nigerian Navy Hydrography Department was recently upgraded to the National Hydrographic Agency. This is with a view to improving charting and seabed mapping of Nigeria's maritime domain.
He added that the Nigerian Navy’s Naval Dockyard Limited have also embarked on ship repair efforts and trainings for friendly navies. "For instance, the Naval Dockyard is carrying out extensive repairs of 6 Benin Republic naval ships. Presently 3 of the ships, BNS PENDJARI, BNS CUOFFO and BNS MATELOT BRICE KPOMASSE are currently in the dock undergoing major refits."
He stressed that these activities highlight our resolve to ensure maritime security for harnessing the enormous potential of the Blue Economy for national development and economic prosperity in the region.
"This morning, His Excellency, the Vice President, commissioned 3 new ships, which includes two 32m Fast Patrol Boats and one 35m Hydrographic Offshore Survey Vessel as well as 2 A109SP helicopters. He also inspected the ongoing construction of Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) IV and V.
"These acquisitions, ship building efforts as well as several other Offshore Patrol Vessels expected into the Nigerian Navy’s inventory within 2024, showcases Nigerian Navy’s preparedness for the protection of our Blue Economy.
"The Regional Maritime Exercise (REMEX) involving 17 ships which includes ships of 5 friendly navies from Brazil, China, Cameroun, Ghana and Togo participating in the Exercise, was also flagged off this morning by His Excellency, the Special Guest of Honour. I must seize this opportunity to appreciate the countries participating, in the REMEX.
"Your efforts in sending your ships to participate highlights the synergy and international cooperation required to foster global maritime security, which is the major discourse for this Conference." he said
Naval Chief also pointed out that maritime threats, which are transnational in nature has the propensity to hamper potentials of the blue economy of nations.
He said ameliorating these threats goes beyond the scope and capability of one nation. Undoubtedly, it requires international collaborative efforts, which this Conference represents.
It is against this backdrop, that the theme for the Conference: “Promoting the Blue Economy in Africa through international Cooperation on Maritime Security”, was conceptualized. It is believed that this Conference will provide a viable platform to collectively develop strategies in addressing Africa’s inherent security challenges arising from development of the Blue Economy.
SpyeTV Ness reports that President Bola Tinubu, was represented by his Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, Minister of Defence and Minister of State for Defence, some members of the National Assembly, Governor of Lagos State, Your Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, strategic partners of the Gulf of Guinea Region we're presented at the Nigerian Navy 2024 International Maritime Conference.