The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has issued a stern warning to all maritime criminals threatening Nigeria’s waters, declaring that the nation’s naval domain will no longer serve as a haven for crime.
He emphasised that the Nigerian Navy is now better equipped to curb all forms of criminality, thereby enhancing economic activity and national security.
Matawalle delivered this warning at the commissioning and induction ceremony of the Nigerian Navy’s new ships and helicopters in Lagos on Saturday.
According to him, the Federal Government is resolute in its commitment to ensuring the security of the country’s waters for the prosperity of the nation.
The President’s approval for the acquisition of these critical assets underscores his administration’s determination to safeguard our national interests and promote economic prosperity, in line with his renewed hope agenda.
“In accordance with our statutory responsibility to secure the nation’s maritime domain, the Nigerian Navy will continue its fleet recapitalisation to improve operational efficiency. The addition of these new platforms to our fleet will undoubtedly enhance the Navy’s capability to dominate our maritime space and deny criminal elements freedom of action in our waters,” he said.
He explained that the ships commissioned today possess high endurance and are equipped with advanced surveillance and rapid-response capabilities.
The three Augusta Westland AW109ST Trekker helicopters also offer long-range surveillance and high endurance. These will complement our existing maritime domain awareness systems, bolstering our surveillance and response capabilities to establish robust maritime security and support increased economic activities in the maritime sector.
“As the saying goes, ‘Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors.’ This commissioning ceremony, part of our 69th Anniversary Celebration, marks the steady progress made in equipping the Nigerian Navy over the years,” Matawalle stated.
He revealed that the Nigerian Navy is expecting several more platforms to join its fleet this year.
These include two 76-metre high-endurance offshore patrol vessels from Turkey, three 46-metre fast patrol boats from China, and tug boats, among others.
“These platforms, when inducted into the Nigerian Navy fleet, will enhance our operational readiness to fulfil our statutory roles.
“We are also investing in human capacity development through comprehensive technical training to ensure the proper use and maintenance of these platforms. This is in addition to other welfare initiatives designed to boost the morale and operational efficiency of our personnel, who remain the Navy’s most important resource,” he added.
