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Tinubu Boosts Maritime Security with New Ships, Helicopters
Segun James
President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated three Nigerian Navy Ships 鈥 NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI, and three AW109 Trekker helicopters: 501, 502, and 503 into the Nigerian Navy fleet.
Tinubu, speaking at the inauguration yesterday in Lagos, said that the addition of the three Fast Patrol Boats and three maritime surveillance helicopters, affirmed the country鈥檚 commitment to securing its maritime domain.
The president was represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle.
鈥淭he sea has remained a pillar of our nation鈥檚 economic prosperity, and for the past 69 years, the Nigerian Navy has stood as the guardian of this blue territory.
鈥淭hese patrol ships and helicopters are force multipliers in our fight against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes.
鈥淭his inauguration is therefore a reflection of our determination to empower our institutions and protect our resources,鈥 he said.
Tinubu assured the navy that his government would continue to prioritise its needs, saying, 鈥渁s a strong navy is the cornerstone of a secure and prosperous economy鈥.
He commended the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for his leadership in ensuring that the Nigerian Navy had pursued fleet modernisation with vigour, bridging capability gaps, and restoring pride to the force.
聽鈥淭oday鈥檚 induction is a fruit of your strategic foresight, and I commend you, your team, and all partners who turned this vision into reality.
鈥淚 also commend the National Assembly for its partisan commitment to funding and oversight, which are instrumental to achieving this feat.
鈥淟et us sustain this unity of purpose, for the sea does not distinguish between political lines; it demands our collective vigilance,鈥 the president said.
Tinubu also appreciated the international allies and technical partners for their collaboration, which underscored a shared truth that maritime security 鈥渒nows no borders.鈥
鈥淭ogether, we are proving that the Gulf of Guinea鈥檚 safety is not Nigeria鈥檚 burden alone but a global imperative.
鈥淭o the officers and ratings who will crew the ships and operate the helicopters, as you operate these assets, remember that the weight of Nigeria鈥檚 aspirations rests on your shoulders.
鈥淟et 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,鈥 he said.
The president said that the Nigerian Navy remained the guardian of the blue economy and urged them to sail forth with courage and know that a grateful nation stood behind them.
