Buhari to induct new warships, other Naval platforms
President Muhammadu Buhari will on May 22, induct new warships, gunboats and helicopters for the Nigerian Navy.
The Chief of Policy of Plans (Navy), Rear Adm. Seidu Garba, said this on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the preparations for the Presidential Fleet Review (PFR) 2023.
Garba said the fleet review, scheduled to hold from May 19 to May 22 in Lagos, has the theme, ‘Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity’.
He said that the president would inaugurate two ships, NNS Kada and NNS Ibeno, a recently acquired NN helicopter, and the ceremonial sailing pass exercise, combat and aerial displays.
“Permit me to recall that during the 8-year administration of President Buhari, a total of 20 capital ships were procured for the NN.
“The ships comprise of offshore patrol vessels, landing ships transport, hydrographic survey vessels, seaward defence boats, helicopters, as well as over 300 inshore patrol vessels and assault crafts.
“The president also commissioned two locally built ships in 2016 and 2021, and laid the keel for two more, which will be ready by 2024.
“The NN deems it appropriate to honour the Commander-in-Chief for his support to the service.
“The PFR 2023 is therefore, organised in honour of President Buhari in recognition of his generous contribution to the service and the nation at large and to also mark the culmination of Mr President’s administration.”
Garba explained that PFR was a tradition of navies across the world, conducted to honour their sovereigns or heads of government.
He said it involved assemblage of ships and other maritime assets at a designated area for the purpose of demonstrating loyalty and allegiance to the state.
The review, according to him, also provides an avenue for the president to assess the navy’s preparedness to meet statutory obligations in maritime security, safety and defence.
“During a PFR, the president is invited to review the fleet in commemoration of a historical event, celebration of important anniversary or any other activity deemed necessary.”
“Some of the occasions to organise a fleet review include celebration of special landmarks of either the navy or country.”
He recalled that the NN had attended many Fleet reviews with the nation’s Flag Ship, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) ARADU.
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