Maritime: Deputy Governor asks Navy to build war ships

The Nigerian Navy has been called upon to boost the nation’s capacity in the maritime trade by championing the development of its own war ships.

The Bayelsa State Deputy Gov., Rear Adm. John Jonah (rtd.) on Sunday, said that the Navy could boost the nation’s capacity in the maritime trade by championing the development of its own war ships.

The Deputy Governor, who was the Special Guest of Honour at a sailing competition organised by the Nigerian Navy Sailing Club, Ojo, Lagos, said there was need for the Navy to begin to design and construct its own vessels.

In a statement issued by Lt.-Com. Charles Brinemigha, the Deputy Governor opined that this will also create jobs and arrest capital flight.

Adm. Jonah was the head of a team of naval engineers who built the nation’s first warship known as NNS ANDONI.

The war ship is now participating actively in the war against arms and drug smuggling, illegal fishing and human trafficking in the country’s territorial waters.

The Deputy Governor noted that millions of dollars were spent annually to procure vessels abroad, but that locally-produced ones would meet the immediate needs of the nation.

According to him, Nigeria is basically a maritime country and that there are so many activities in the maritime area which account for the growing need for platforms to meet up with the demand.

He said: “One thing that is in favour of Nigeria is genuine engineers who are willing to embark on such projects.

“The Cabotage law also creates opportunities for the Navy to produce crafts at certain level, which can be easily manufactured locally.”