The Nigerian Navy (NN) on Monday added 16 new boats, including two 110 MKII Fast Patrol Crafts (FPC), NNS NGURU and NNS EKULU to its fleet.
Also inducted were four 72MKII Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC)- NNS GONGOLA, NNS OSE, NNS CALABAR, and NNS SHIRORO- and 10 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats.
These boats, the navy said, would be deployed to protect critical oil installations in the Niger Delta as well as for joint operations, patrols of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Maritime Zone E.
The two 110 MKII FPC, NNS NGURU and NNS EKULU are named after towns in Yobe and Rivers States, and manned by Commanders Emmanuel Fingesi and Andrew Zidon respectively.
Built by the Ocea crew in France, the River Town Class FPCs have an overall length of 35m, with a water line length of 29.80m; overall beam of 7.10m, maximum draft of 1.80m and midship moulded depth of 3.50m. Their operation profile include a cruising speed of 12knots, maximum speed of 35knots and crew of 36 including nine commissioned officers.
The latest additions had increased the navyโs platforms acquisition in the last two years to over 200, said the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas.
Noting that the NN has the challenging task of safeguarding the countryโs maritime interests, Ibas said the service, in keeping with the realities, conduct frequent re-invention.
He said: โThe acquisition of the six new OCEA FPC and 10 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBS) will narrow the capability gaps in enhancing security of the nationโs maritime expanse.
โTheir commissioning and induction respectively into service is therefore another operational milestone for the NN as they will complement existing Maritime Domain Awareness Capability in the face of its inherent need for a potent interdiction capability.
โI must however be quick to observe that, despite this commendable stride, we have barely scratched the outstanding deficit in the NN fleet. Capacity building therefore is a running priority of the NN. The NN continues to apply its double pronged approach of platform sourcing from both foreign shipyards and local manufacturing.
โDomestically, local boat building associates like messrs Epenal Boat Builders and John Holt Plc which have accounted for the delivery of over 200 boats in the past, continue to be patronised. The NN dockyard remains productively engaged as it is on course for the delivery of a third straight Seaward Defence Boat (SDB), now a 42 meter boat.
โInternationally, the construction of the 20 additional RHIBS with Messrs Suncraft has reached an advanced stage, with the recent second milestone inspection reporting their possible delivery on schedule and within the next few months.
โFurthermore, efforts are ongoing towards acquiring more fast patrol vessels for littoral waters up to the EEZ, while the construction of a hydrographic vessel and landing ship would further reinforce the NNโs regional maritime dominance.
โThey will help to make life more difficult for the criminals in our maritime space. Their coming is also deemed quite timely as it would widen the nationโs options to make a robust contribution to multinational collaboration of countries of ECOWAS โ Multinational Maritime Coordination Zone E, comprising Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Togo and Niger.
Only last week, these countries signed to a combined operation platform to suppress piracy, hijacking and hostage taking, including IUUF and other abuses of our waters. These boats and others could find for themselves, critical roles in this regard.โ
Also at the event were Defence Minister Mansur Dan-Ali, Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani, Inspector General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. Isa Misau, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Navy, Abdulsamad Dasuki, Director General, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Hadiza Bala-Usman, heads of military, paramilitary institutions in Lagos as well as captains of industries.
Inaugurating the platforms, Dan-Ali said the nation was challenged by multi-faceted threats from both continental and maritime fronts with grave manifestations and increasing threats to maritime security.
He said crimes such as piracy, sea robbery and attack on strategic oil installations have complicated the nationโs maritime security environment and threatened with dire consequences, the overall wellbeing of the nation.
โFor a littoral state with huge dependence on her offshore resources, maritime security is vital to the nationโs well-being. Against this background of threats the entire nation would invariably be at risky situation if we do not insist on a motivated and virile navy like ours.
โThe induction of the platforms is in line with the current administrationโs promise to keep our nation safe. This commissioning ceremony is yet another demonstration of this administrationโs resolve of protecting the nationโs maritime domain through the provision of appropriate military platforms and operating equipment.
โAdditionally, it is crucial that we make progress in the provision of peace and order in our maritime domain. The dependence of the nationโs economy on offshore resources as well as the enormous potentials of the maritime sector to contribute to national food security and employment generation makes this highly imperative.
โThe procurement of these vessels by the Ministry of Defence again demonstrates this administrationโs unwavering commitment and willingness towards strengthening the Navy through provision of modern operating equipment and infrastructure,โ said Dan-Ali.
