By Abbas Nazil
The Nigerian Navy has commissioned three new warships and three Agusta Westland helicopters into active service to boost maritime defense capabilities.
The induction, which marks a key highlight of the Navy’s 69th anniversary celebration, took place at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT in Apapa, Lagos.
The event was attended by top military brass and government dignitaries, reflecting its strategic national importance.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, emphasized the critical role of the new naval assets in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and advancing the nation’s economic interests.
He described the commissioning as a bold step toward safeguarding the nation’s waterways against threats such as piracy, crude oil theft, and illegal fishing.
“The sea remains the lifeline of our nation’s economic prosperity. With the addition of these formidable assets, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests,” he stated.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, highlighted that the newly commissioned warships are built for high-endurance operations and will significantly improve maritime domain awareness.
He said these platforms will enhance the Navy’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats across Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The Vice Admiral further revealed that fleet expansion remains a top priority, and additional acquisitions are expected by the end of the year.
These include two 76-meter High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels from Turkey, three 46-meter Fast Patrol Boats from China, and various support vessels such as Tug Boats.
The commissioning ceremony also served as a stage for international military diplomacy. Vice Admiral (rtd.) Kim Pankyu, the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, announced that one of the warships commissioned was a donation from the Korean Navy.
This gesture, he said, symbolizes the deepening military cooperation between Nigeria and South Korea, which dates back to 1980.
He noted that bilateral ties have grown to include political, economic, and military training collaborations.
The commissioning reinforces the Navy’s central role in securing the nation’s blue economy.