In an official statement released on Friday, Rear Adm. Saidu Garba, the Chief of Policy and Plans at Naval Headquarters, revealed that a total of 20 capital ships were procured for the Nigerian Navy (NN) during President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year administration.
The ships, as highlighted by Garba, encompass a diverse range, including Offshore Patrol Vessels, Landing Ship Transport, Hydrographic Survey Vessels, Seaward Defence Boats, Helicopters, over 300 Inshore Patrol Vessels, and Assault crafts.
Commending President Buhari’s significant contributions to the development of the Nigerian Navy throughout his tenure, Garba emphasized that the Navy is prepared to host a grand Presidential Fleet Review (PFR) in honour of the President. Themed “Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity,” the event is scheduled to take place in Lagos from May 19 to May 22.
Garba further noted that President Buhari commissioned two locally built ships in 2016 and 2021, respectively, while laying the keel for two more vessels set to be completed by 2024.
“The PFR 2023 is therefore organized in honour of Buhari, in recognition of his generous contribution to the service and the nation at large,” Garba stated. He explained that the PFR serves as an opportunity for ships and maritime assets to assemble at a designated area, demonstrating loyalty and allegiance to the state. It also allows the President to assess the Navy’s preparedness in fulfilling its statutory obligations in maritime security, safety, and defence within a global collaborative approach.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Garba mentioned that the previous PFR took place in 2010 to honour President Goodluck Jonathan and commemorate Nigeria’s 50th anniversary of independence.
Garba also mentioned the Nigerian Navy’s participation in fleet reviews of other countries, including the presence of the nation’s flagship, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) ARADU, during such events. He noted that Nigerian Navy personnel attended the Bangladesh Navy Fleet Review in December 2022 to celebrate the country’s Golden Jubilee of Independence.
The PFR-2023 exercise is expected to feature 16 NN warships, three AW109E NN helicopters, and a combination of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft. Additionally, foreign warships from allied nations, including Spain, Brazil, and Ghana, are anticipated to participate in the exercise.
Garba concluded by highlighting President Buhari’s transformative impact on the Nigerian Navy Fleet during his tenure. The President’s unwavering political will has played a crucial role in the fleet’s recapitalization, positioning it as a prideful force in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
In summary, the PFR-2023 celebration is a testament to President Buhari’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s naval assets and bolstering the country’s maritime power for national prosperity, as Rear Adm. Saidu Garba expressed.