The minister of state for defense, Bello Matawalle, has issued a warning to all maritime criminals posing a threat to Nigerian waters: the Nigerian Navy is better able to prevent all types of criminal activity, which will promote greater economic activity and national security.
At the Nigerian Navy’s ship and helicopter commissioning and induction ceremony in Lagos on Saturday, he gave the warning.
He asserts that the Federal Government has made the decision to protect the nation’s waters in order to promote national development.
“The President’s approval for the acquisition of these critical assets underscores his administration’s resolve to safeguard our national interests for our economic prosperity in line with his renewed hope agenda.
“In line with our statutory roles of securing the nation’s maritime domain, the Nigerian Navy will continue to carry out fleet recapitalisation to enhance its operational efficiency. The addition of these new platforms to our fleet will no doubt enhance the Navy’s capability to dominate our maritime space and deny criminal elements freedom of action in our waters,” he said.
He explained that the ships being commissioned today have high endurance and are equipped with advanced surveillance as well as rapid-response capabilities.
“The 3 Augusta Westland AW109ST Trekker helicopters also have long-range surveillance and high endurance capabilities. This will complement our existing maritime domain awareness capabilities to bolster our surveillance and response capabilities towards emplacing maritime security for increased economic activities in the maritime environment.
“As the saying goes, ‘Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors. This commissioning ceremony, being part of our 69th Anniversary Celebration, indicates the gradual measures to equip the Nigerian Navy over the years,” Matawalle said
He revealed that the Nigerian Navy is still expecting several platforms to join its fleet this year.
Some of these platforms, he said, include two 76m High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels from Turkey, three 46m Fast Patrol Boats from China, and Tug Boats, among others.
“These platforms, when inducted into the Nigerian Navy fleet, will enhance our operational readiness to carry out our statutory roles.
“We are also enhancing human capacity development through adequate technical training to ensure proper usage and maintenance of these platforms. This is in addition to other welfare packages to improve the morale and operational efficiency of our personnel, being the most important resource of the navy,” he added.