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Security: Buhari commissions Made-in-Nigeria naval vessels, others in Lagos

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR (in blue), at Inauguration of Naval Vessels on Victoria Island, Lagos Photo: Daily Nigerian

*The Federal Government will continue to support the ideals of the Nigerian Navy in the performance of its constitutional duties in the country ─President Muhammadu Buhari

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration is committed to supporting the Nigerian Navy for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness .

Buhari Thursday, December 9, 2021, inaugurated locally-built Seaward Defence Boats (SDB) 111 in Lagos State.

Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement issued Thursday said the vessels were inaugurated and built by NNS Oji.

The facility is said to be the third of its series to be built by the Nigerian Navy.

Buhari at the event noted that the new inductions to the Naval fleet, would increase the agency’s capacity in securing the country’s maritime domain, Adesina stated.

The statement also said: ‘‘We should note that we are in a critical period where our country is faced with a serious decline in our revenue and the security challenges we are facing.”

The President urged the personnel to make good use of the platforms as well as maintain professionalism.

He stated: ‘‘The present realities, therefore, call for prudent resource management, innovativeness, accountability, and careful maintenance.

“I wish to reiterate that despite these challenges, our administration is very determined to ensure that the Navy is well supported to achieve its statutory responsibilities.”

Buhari further said: “Let me assure you that the Government will continue to support the ideals of the Nigerian Navy in the performance of its constitutional duties.

“God bless the Nigerian Navy, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Onward Together.”

Buhari says the Nigerian Navy is a major contributor to the country’s economy, as the NNS has kept a steady course in its local content development drive, which has prompted the government to resolve to equip the agency.

‘‘I commend the business dependability of Messrs OCEA Shipyard – France, the builders of our Navy’s first-ever purpose-built Offshore Survey Vessel for a conclusive and successful execution of the contract.

“Local partners should share in this commendation for their efforts at local facilitation as outlined in the Government’s local content policy,’’ he said.

The statement also said: ‘‘Arrests of those involved in illegalities have yielded results as some pirates, illegal bunkering syndicates, pipeline vandals and other miscreants have been convicted during this year.”

The President added:  ‘‘Such successes were made possible through the enforcement of our new anti-piracy law on Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019.

“Furthermore, the provision of the new policy directives by the current administration of the Navy codified in such documents as the Nigerian Navy Strategic Plan ‪2021-2030; the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2021-5 and the Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy have given the Service credible guidelines and leverage for improved operational efficiency.”

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