President Bola Tinubu has added new ships and helicopters to help strengthen the Nigerian Navy. At a ceremony held in Lagos on Saturday, he said these additions show the country’s strong promise to keep its sea borders safe.
The new items include three navy ships called NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI. Along with these ships, three AW109 Trekker helicopters, numbered 501, 502, and 503, were also officially added to the Navy’s fleet.
Tinubu mentioned that the new patrol boats and helicopters will help the Navy better watch over Nigeria’s waters and respond faster to threats. This step is part of the country’s plan to improve maritime security.
The president did not attend the event in person but was represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Bello Matawalle. He promised that the government would continue to support the Navy and meet its needs.
“The sea has remained a pillar of our nation’s economic prosperity and for the past 69 years, the Nigerian Navy has stood as the guardian of this blue territory.
“These patrol ships and helicopters are force multipliers in our fight against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing and other maritime crimes.
“This inauguration is therefore, a reflection of our determination to empower our institutions and protect our resources,” he said.
Tinubu also praised the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for leading efforts to improve the Navy. He said that under Ogalla’s leadership, the Navy has worked hard to upgrade its equipment and boost its strength.
“Today’s induction is a fruit of your strategic foresight, and I commend you, your team, and all partners who turned this vision into reality.
“I also commend the National Assembly, for its partisan commitment to funding and oversight which are instrumental to achieving this feat.
“Let us sustain this unity of purpose, for the sea does not distinguish between political lines; it demands our collective vigilance,” the president said.
Tinubu also appreciated the international allies and technical partners for their collaboration which underscored a shared truth that maritime security “knows no borders.”
“Together, we are proving that the Gulf of Guinea’s safety is not Nigeria’s burden alone but a global imperative.
“To the officers and ratings who will crew the ships and operate the helicopters, as you operate these assets, remember that the weight of Nigeria’s aspirations rests on your shoulders.
“Let us envision the future they herald: a future where our waters are impervious to criminality; where fishermen cast their nets in peace; where global trade flows unhindered through our ports,” he said.
He called the Nigerian Navy the “guardian of the blue economy,” meaning they protect the country’s ocean resources and trade routes. He encouraged naval officers to be brave in their duties, reminding them that the whole nation is proud of their work.
