Nigerian Navy seeks acquisition of two warships

Chinazor Megbolu |

The Nigerian Navy (NN) is seeking to acquire two warships in 2021 in a bid to boost operations in Nigeria’s territorial waters.

The Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command Oghara, Delta State, Mr Sileranda Lassa, said this on Thursday during the launching of newly-built staff quarters at Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder’s base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

While saying the warships is equipped with new navigational systems, he maintained that the acquisition was part of ongoing efforts to renew the Naval fleet for improved maritime security activities.

On the quarters, Lassa hinted that it includes; a block of 10-studio flats for officers, a block of 40-room arrival hall for ratings and a three-bedroom apartment for Chief Boatswain’s Mate.

“We are expecting some ships, including the Landing Shifter and Survey ships, in 2021, as part of the evolution currently taking place in the Nigerian Navy.

“The ships are quite expensive but sophisticated, state-of-art weaponry that is just being evolved in certain other climes.

“We have had tremendous support from the federal government, including the legislative arm, to acquire these assets,” Lassa said.

He buttressed further that despite the challenges of 2020, the federal government security agency took delivery of some platforms to aid its fight against piracy and other maritime crimes.

“Acquisition of ships is not done overnight. The ones we received in 2020 had been planned for a year or two years ago.

“The ships are expensive; we, as personnel, must be able to take care of these assets that are coming in.

“We hope that more ships will come into service, considering the security challenges the country is facing as well as manpower that is increasing by the day,” he said.

Lassa, however, pointed out that the newly-built quarters were part of strategic objectives identified in the Revised-Nigerian Navy Transformation Plan 2011 to 2020, adding that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, adopted the plan for implementation.

Lassa said the implementation according to Ete-Ibas, will boost operational efficiency and personnel welfare positively.

“Indeed, the completed blocks will not only ameliorate the accommodation shortage in NNS Pathfinder but also ensure that personnel of various cadres are properly quartered.

“This is part of the evolution of the Nigerian Navy in terms of fleet renewal, manpower development and organisation and building of infrastructure, including jetties and barracks.

“This gives a fair idea of the transformational milestone that has taken place in the service within the last five years,” Lassa said.