On Saturday in Lagos, President Bola Tinubu officially inaugurated three new Nigerian Navy ships—NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI—alongside three AW109 Trekker helicopters, numbered 501, 502, and 503, marking a significant boost to Nigeria’s maritime security capabilities.
Represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Bello Matawalle, President Tinubu emphasized the strategic importance of these additions. “The sea has remained a pillar of our nation’s economic prosperity, and for the past 69 years, the Nigerian Navy has stood as the guardian of this blue territory,” he stated.
The newly inducted Fast Patrol Boats and maritime surveillance helicopters are described as “force multipliers in our fight against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes.” Tinubu further underscored the government’s commitment to supporting the navy, affirming, “As a strong navy is the cornerstone of a secure and prosperous economy.”
He praised Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, for his leadership in pursuing fleet modernization that has bridged capability gaps and restored pride to the force. “Today’s induction is a fruit of your strategic foresight,” Tinubu remarked, also acknowledging the National Assembly’s role in funding and oversight.
Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, the president noted, “Maritime security knows no borders,” and praised global partners for their collaboration in securing the Gulf of Guinea, stressing that “the Gulf of Guinea’s safety is not Nigeria’s burden alone but a global imperative.”
Concluding his remarks, Tinubu urged naval personnel to carry the nation’s aspirations with them as they operate the new assets, envisioning “a future where our waters are impervious to criminality; where fishermen cast their nets in peace; where global trade flows unhindered through our ports.”
