The Nigerian Navy said that the recapitalization of its sea going assets would empower it to properly police the country’s oil facilities at sea and ensure that lawful maritime business thrives.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin gave the assurance while receiving a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV)which was built in China and delivered to the force on Friday. The new warship which was christened NNS CENTENARY, in commemoration of Nigeria’s 100 years of amalgamation of the North and Southern protectorate became the first brand new combat vessel ever purchase by the Nigerian Navy since 1980 after NNS ARADU was launched.
The vessel which was constructed by China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Limited, berthed at the Naval dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos and was received by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin. The Chief of Naval Staff, said while receiving the vessel that effective maritime security is pre-requisite for the economic well being of Nigeria, especially with the country’s heavy dependence on the sea for survival.
He commended the Federal Government for deeming it fit to recapitalize the Navy, explaining that fleet recapitalization is one of the pillars of the Nigerian Navy Transformation plan for the period 2010-2020. The arrival of the NNS CENTENARY, he said, bears testimony to the commitment and resolve of the present government to put in place a strong and virile navy capable of protecting Nigeria’s maritime interest against all forms of threats.
The OPV after its commissioning would be deployed alongside the other newly acquired vessel from United States, NNS Okpabana, to tackle the menace of maritime illegalities that bedevil the nation’s maritime domain. Admiral Jibrin, said the addition to the fleet will boost the navy’s war against maritime crimes within the maritime domain, adding that persons engage in illegal fishing, arms proliferation, crude oil theft, smuggling and piracy will have no place to hide. He said: “The addition of the offshore patrol vessel to the NN fleet would definitely enhance the navy’s capacity to execute her constitutional roles and open a new vista in Nigeria-China relations. “The arrival of NNS Centenary in Nigeria bears testimony to the commitment and resolve of the president to put in place a strong and virile navy capable of protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests against all forms of threats.”
He also disclosed that the newly acquired vessel is merely one of the two OPV bought from China for the navy, adding that the second one would arrive Nigeria later in the year. Jibrin said a substantial part of the finishing and fittings for the second vessel would be done in Nigeria, in order to enhance Nigeria’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity and create jobs for the unemployed youths.
Also speaking, the Consul General of the Republic of China, Kan Liu who was representing the ambassador said Nigeria and China has always had a cordial relationship. He said that relationship has help bolster the trade volume between both countries especially last year to the tune of 18.1billion dollars. He said, “We have had very close relationship with Nigeria and deeper cooperation in various fields including military cooperation and we both benefit from the relationship.”
