President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned a locally made Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) 111 in Lagos State according to Channels Television.
According to a statement by a presidential adviser, Femi Adesina, the vessel was inaugurated on Thursday and was built by NNS Oji. It is the third of its type to be produced by the Nigerian Navy.
During the event, he quoted the president as saying that the additional additions to the Naval fleet will boost the agency’s ability to secure the nation’s maritime domain.
‘‘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,” Buhari added, urging the personnel to make good use of the platforms as well as maintain professionalism.
‘‘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.
“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.”
According to the statement, Buhari praised the Nigerian Navy for staying on track with its local content development initiative and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping the organization.
‘‘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.
While praising the Nigerian Navy’s work in securing the country’s huge oil and gas industry, he stated that the Navy is a vital contribution to the country’s economic prosperity.
‘‘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,” Buhari 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.”
