Navy Acquires New Ships, Helicopters

• The Nigerian Navy announced acquiring three ships and two helicopters, enhancing operations against oil theft, with more vessels arriving soon
• Vice Admiral Ogalla emphasized local shipbuilding, vital for the Navy’s growth and the blue economy, aligning with the president’s agenda

The Nigerian Navy has announced the acquisition of three ships and two helicopters to enhance its operations, particularly in combating oil theft in the Niger Delta. These new additions will be inaugurated into the Navy’s inventory on May 30, 2024. Additionally, the Navy expects five operational vessels from China and Turkey by the third quarter of this year.

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, shared this information during an inter-denominational service held in Abuja, part of the events marking the 68th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.

Ogalla highlighted the Navy’s fleet renewal efforts, emphasising the importance of the new acquisitions. He stated, “We want also to use this opportunity to commend our efforts, particularly in fleet renewal. On May 30 this year, we commission three more ships and two more helicopters. This is in addition to several other OPVs from around the world. We have two OPVs coming from Turkey, billed to come in the third quarter of this year; we have three coming from China.”

Ogalla explained the Navy’s commitment to local shipbuilding and repairs by discussing the steps taken to build ships locally. He stressed that this initiative is crucial for the growth of the Navy and the nation’s blue economy. He said, “Our local ship-building effort has become a cardinal point of my vision in the Nigerian Navy. This is because we realize that the only way we can grow as a navy is to ensure that we have local content in all our key areas of development. Of course, you know, shipbuilding is part of it. We also recognize that shipbuilding and ship repairs will contribute effectively to the overall blue economy, which is part of the agenda of the president’s administration.”

Ogalla also encouraged Navy personnel to redouble their efforts to achieve greater accomplishments in the future. He added, “To this end, I urge everyone to work hard to redouble our efforts to ensure we achieve even more in the years ahead. Let us ensure we have a navy we will be proud of.”

The new acquisitions and local shipbuilding efforts underscore the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening its capabilities and contributing to the nation’s maritime security and economic growth.