Minister of state for defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has ordered the Nigerian Navy to go after crude oil thieves and sea robbers, describing them as economic saboteurs and enemies of the nation.
The minister gave the directive at the induction of three newly acquired warships and three helicopters into the fleet of the Nigerian Navy held in Lagos yesterday.
The new ships are named: NNS IKOGOSI, NNS SHERE and NNS FARO.
Speaking at the induction ceremony, Matawalle stated that the sea has remained a pillar of the nation’s economic prosperity, adding that in the past 69 years, the Nigerian Navy has stood as the guardian of this blue territory.
According to him, the federal government has affirmed its commitment to securing the nation’s maritime domain with the addition of formidable assets, as well as the three AW109 Trekker helicopters.
“It is with immense pride and a profound sense of duty that I stand before you today, as we gather to witness another historic milestone in Nigeria’s maritime security landscape.
“Today, we are adding three Fast Patrol Boats and three maritime surveillance helicopters to the Nigerian Navy Fleet. This moment is not merely a ceremony; it is a declaration of resolve, a testament to progress, and a bold stride towards securing our nation’s future.
“These patrol ships and helicopters are force multipliers in our fight against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing and other maritime crimes. This commissioning is, therefore, a reflection of our determination to empower our institutions and protect our resources.
“I must first appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu for his unequivocal support for the Nigerian Navy. Through the approval of the acquisition of these assets, he has demonstrated that ensuring national security is key to his administration. Let me assure the Nigerian Navy that this government will continue to prioritize your needs, as a strong navy is the cornerstone of a secure and prosperous economy.
“Let me also congratulate the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ogalla, under whose leadership the Nigerian Navy has pursued fleet modernization with vigour, bridging capability gaps and restoring pride to our navy. Today’s induction is a fruit of your strategic foresight, and I commend you, your team, and all the partners who turned this vision into reality.
“To the National Assembly, I must commend your 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. To our international allies and technical partners, your collaboration underscores 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” he added
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of the Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, disclosed that President Tinubu’s approval for the acquisition of these critical assets underscores his administration’s resolve to safeguard the nation’s national interests for Nigeria’s economic prosperity in line with his renewed hope agenda.
Vice Admiral Ogalla stated that the commissioned vessels have high endurance and are equipped with advanced surveillance as well as rapid-response capabilities.
He explained that in the same vein, the three Augusta Westland AW109ST Trekker Helicopters also have long-range surveillance and high endurance capabilities, adding that they 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.
“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.
“The ships we are commissioning 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” he stated.
The South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Vice Admiral Kim Pankyu (rtd), said one of the newly inducted ships was gifted to the Nigerian Navy to cement the diplomatic relationships between both nations, which he said began in 1980.
“Korea and Nigeria have worked closely together in many areas like politics, economy and diplomacy. We have also developed military cooperation through training and education exchanges between our armed forces.
“Today is a very special day. A high-speed vessel from the Korean Navy begins a new journey as the Nigerian Navy’s NNS IKOGOSI. This vessel is not only a gift but a symbol of friendship and trust between Korea and Nigeria. I believe this ship will help both countries grow together in peace and prosperity- beyond just military cooperation,” he said.
Admiral Pankyu said the vessel, which once protected Korean territorial waters, would now carry out its mission as one of the Nigerian Navy’s to ensure the security of the country’s waters.
“I hope she becomes a strong guardian of maritime security and starts a great journey of service.
“Today, we are faced with many challenges at sea, such as piracy, drug and human trafficking. The waters of West Africa, in particular, serve as a vital maritime hub, through which numerous cargo ships and fishing boats transit daily.
“Ensuring maritime security in this region is of critical importance not only to Nigeria and its neighbours but also to the Republic of Korea and the international community.
“That is why Korea and Nigeria need to work closely together to respond to these threats,” he added.
The Ambassador said Korea was committed to continuing close cooperation, strengthening the Nigerian Navy, and ensuring the security and safety of the maritime domain.
As the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria and as a Navy reservist who served for 40 years, I will do my best to support cooperation between our countries” he said.
