President Muhammadu Buhari has said that piracy reduced drastically over the last seven years, culminating in delisting Nigeria from the rank of piracy prone countries.
The President stated this in the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review held at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos.
While commissioning the newly acquired ships and helicopter in the Nigerian Navy, the President said this will enhance security in the Nigerian waters and boost socio-economic activities within the Maritime environment.
He remarked that there is “a strong link between maritime security and economic prosperity which serves both as a store house of resources as well as medium for maritime transport, thus the safe and secure utilization of those resources for National Prosperity in support of Nigeria’s growing economic aspirations”.
He expressed delight in the review of the Presidential Fleet that showcased the different types and classes of Ships and helicopters symbolising the nation’s maritime power and its preparedness to carry out Naval constitutional roles.
n the same vein, the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd) while delivering his keynote address at the Maritime Discourse said the theme for the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review ‘Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity’ has become imperative for the nation to build “a viral, forward looking and responsive Naval force that will be capable of safeguarding the Nation’s Maritime environment”.
He urged the Nigerian Navy to continue to raise the bar of maritime defence to enhance National economic prosperity.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo said “the review is unique as it is organized in honour of Mr. President who has provided unprecedented support to the Nigerian Navy in terms of fleet recapitalization, infrastructural development and Personnel welfare, thereby boosting their morale and fighting efficiency”.
The highpoint of the event was Mr. President sailing with other dignitaries on board NNS Sokoto and NNS Aba to reveiw the 2023 Presidential fleets and commissioning of NNS Kada, NNS Ibeno, and NN 410.
The event ended with 21 Gun Salute to Mr. President and aerial display of fighter Tucanos, helicopters, speed boats and ships.
Victoria Agba-AttahDirector (Press)22/5/2023
