In a decisive move to bolster Nigeria’s maritime security and safeguard its blue economy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned three newly acquired warships — NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI — alongside three AW109 Trekker helicopters.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos, highlights the federal government’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and addressing the persistent threats of piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, and maritime trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea.
Representing the President at the event, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to fortifying Nigeria’s territorial waters and maritime assets.
“For the past 69 years, the Nigerian Navy has served as the custodian of our blue economy. These new formidable assets will further strengthen the Navy’s capacity to protect our maritime domain and economic interests,” Matawalle stated.
The event commenced with an inspection of the ceremonial guard of honour, followed by the formal commissioning of the advanced naval platforms. According to the Presidency, these acquisitions align with Nigeria’s national security strategy and maritime defence objectives, aimed at securing the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and sustaining vital trade routes.
President Tinubu, in his message, described the patrol ships and helicopters as essential force multipliers that will enhance maritime surveillance, interdiction, and rapid-response operations, particularly for sectors reliant on maritime stability such as oil and gas, fishing, and international trade.
> “This commissioning reflects our unwavering resolve to empower the Nigerian Navy and secure our maritime resources for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Tinubu added.
Nigerian Navy’s Fleet Modernization Underway
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, emphasized the Navy’s ongoing commitment to fleet modernization and operational readiness. He noted that the newly commissioned assets would significantly improve the Navy’s capability to counter maritime crimes and maintain strategic dominance along Nigeria’s coastline and offshore waters.
> “With these additions, we are better positioned to deny criminal elements the freedom to act within our waters and protect national assets vital to economic growth,” Ogalla declared.
As part of efforts to enhance personnel welfare, Ogalla also commissioned a newly constructed officers’ accommodation complex during the event, stressing the importance of investing in the people behind the uniform.
> “Welfare is crucial to morale and operational effectiveness. As we strengthen our naval fleet, we must also prioritize the well-being of our service members,” he said.
South Korea Pledges Continued Defence Cooperation
Delivering a goodwill message, the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Vice Admiral Kim Pankyu (rtd), highlighted the importance of international military collaboration in maintaining regional security. He reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities through vessel donations, training exchanges, and strategic partnerships.
> “Since 1980, Korea and Nigeria have enjoyed strong cooperation in politics, diplomacy, economy, and defence. This vessel donation represents our shared commitment to regional peace and maritime security,” the ambassador noted.
Experts Applaud Move Amid Persistent Gulf of Guinea Threats
Security experts present at the ceremony praised the commissioning as a timely intervention in addressing the persistent threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s most volatile maritime regions. According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), although piracy incidents in the region have declined in recent years due to improved naval patrols and multinational collaborations, the threat remains significant.
The Nigerian Navy, through its “Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy,” continues to maintain a strong presence within Nigeria’s maritime domain via continuous patrols, strategic surveillance, and rapid-response operations.
The ceremony drew the attendance of top military and paramilitary officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries — a show of unity in Nigeria’s commitment to tackling maritime insecurity and protecting its economic lifelines.
