President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed trust in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the incoming president, to maintain the tempo of his administration.
Buhari made this statement on Monday at the Naval Dockyard Limited’s Presidential Fleet Review, 2023, at Victoria Island, Lagos.
Buhari stated that the next administration will uphold the relationship he had with the Nigerian Navy by giving the required assistance as and when it was called for.
I have no doubt that the incoming administration of President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will sustain the current tempo of my administration in giving the Navy necessary support to effectively carry out its assigned tasks”, the President said.
Buhari showered praise on the impressive combat displays by the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service, alongside a combination of assets from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force.
He said: “I expect this to translate into the actual capability to dominate Nigeria’s maritime environment and secure the vast resources therein for the socio-economic development of our great country.”
The President listed 20 capital ships for the Navy, including offshore patrol vessels, landing ship transports, hydrographic survey vessels, seaward defence boats, helicopters, as well as more than 300 inshore patrol vessels and assault craft, as part of the administration’s efforts to recapitalize the Navy Fleet over the past seven years.
Buhari nevertheless expressed optimism that Tinubu’s leadership would enable the Navy to continue acquiring new equipment, boost shipbuilding for export, support indigenous manufacturing, step up the battle against piracy, and handle concerns relating to crude oil theft in Nigeria’s marine sector.
The President concluded by wishing the Navy well as he prepares to leave office on May 29, 2023.
He said: “My best wishes to our Navy for protecting our maritime domain and the economic prosperity of Nigeria. As I leave office on May 29, I wish you all fair winds. Onward together and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
