The Nigerian Navy has commissioned a new fleet of advanced warships and helicopters in a significant move to strengthen maritime security along the nation's coastline, with Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, issuing a stern warning to maritime criminals.
Speaking at the induction ceremony held in Lagos, Matawalle declared that Nigeria would no longer serve as a safe haven for maritime crime, emphasizing the federal government's commitment to securing the country's territorial waters.
"The new platforms demonstrate the will of President Bola Tinubu to protect national interest and enhance economic prosperity under the Renewed Hope agenda," Matawalle stated during the event, which coincided with the Nigerian Navy's 69th anniversary celebrations.
Advanced Surveillance Capabilities
The newly commissioned fleet includes operational vessels and aircraft equipped with advanced surveillance technologies and rapid response capabilities. A key feature of the new assets is long-range helicopters capable of conducting continuous surveillance for extended periods, which will complement existing platforms to enhance monitoring operations.
According to Matawalle, these new capabilities will "allow our Navy to dominate Nigeria's territorial waters and limit criminal activity" along the nation's coast, thereby promoting economic activities in the maritime domain.
The Minister further revealed that additional naval platforms from international partners are expected to arrive later this year. These forthcoming assets will further strengthen the Navy's capacity to conduct offshore patrols and safeguard critical national assets.
Focus on Human Capital Development
Beyond hardware acquisition, the Ministry of Defence is prioritizing human capital development to ensure the effective operation and maintenance of the new equipment. Matawalle highlighted plans for enhanced technical training programs and improved welfare initiatives to keep naval personnel motivated and mission-ready.
In his closing remarks, the Minister issued a direct warning to maritime criminals operating in Nigerian waters, stating that the country's naval forces are now better equipped than ever to enforce maritime law and protect Nigeria's economic resources.
This fleet renewal and operational capability enhancement represents a significant milestone in Nigeria's efforts to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes that have plagued the Gulf of Guinea region in recent years.
