A total of 20 capital ships were procured for the Nigerian Navy (NN) during the eight-year administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the The Nigerian Navy has said.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued yesterday by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Saidu Garba.
Garba, according to the statement said the ships comprise offshore patrol vessels, landing ship transport, hydrographic survey vessels, seaward defence boats, helicopters, as well as, over 300 inshore patrol vessels and assault crafts.
He said that as a result of Buhari’s contribution to the development of the NN during his administration, the Navy was poised to give the president a befitting Presidential Fleet Review (PFR).
The PFR with the theme: ‘Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity’ is scheduled to hold in Lagos from May 19 to May 22.
The naval chief added that the president also commissioned two locally built ships in 2016 and in 2021 respectively and laid the keel for two more, which would be ready by 2024.
“The PFR 2023 is therefore organised in honour of Buhari, in recognition of his generous contribution to the service and the nation at large.
“It involves assemblage of ships and other maritime assets at a designated area for the purpose of demonstrating loyalty and allegiance to the state.
“The review also provides an avenue for the president to assess the navy’s preparedness to meet statutory obligations in maritime security, safety and defence within a global collaborative approach,” he said.
Garba said that the last PFR was conducted in 2010 in honour of then President Goodluck Jonathan, and to mark the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.
He also noted that the NN had attended many Fleet reviews of other countries with the nation’s Flag Ship, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) ARADU.