President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday inaugurated a locally-built Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) 111 in Lagos State.
The vessel which was built by NNS Oji, is the third of its series to be built by the Nigerian Navy, according to a statement by a presidential aide, Femi Adesina.
He quoted the President as saying during the event that the new inductions to the Naval fleet, would increase the agency’s capacity in securing the nation’s maritime domain.
‘We should note that we are in a critical period where our country is faced with a serious decline in our revenue and the security challenges we are facing,’ Buhari stated, urging the personnel to make good use of the platforms as well as maintain professionalism.
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He continued, ‘The present realities, therefore, call for prudent resource management, innovativeness, accountability, and careful maintenance. I wish to reiterate that despite these challenges, our administration is very determined to ensure that the Navy is well supported to achieve its statutory responsibilities.
‘Let me assure you that the Government will continue to support the ideals of the Nigerian Navy in the performance of its constitutional duties. God bless the Nigerian Navy, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Onward Together.’
Buhari, according to the statement, also lauded the Nigerian Navy for keeping a steady course in its local content development drive, also restated the Federal Government’s resolve to equip the agency.
‘I commend the business dependability of Messrs OCEA Shipyard – France, the builders of our Navy’s first-ever purpose-built Offshore Survey Vessel for a conclusive and successful execution of the contract.
‘Local partners should share in this commendation for their efforts at local facilitation as outlined in the Government’s local content policy,’ he said.
While appreciating the efforts of the Nigerian Navy in securing Nigeria’s vast oil and gas industry, he declared that the Navy has been a major contributor to the nation’s economic development.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
