Over two thousand assorted boats have been inducted into the naval platforms in the last two years.

According to Nigerian Navy, the assorted boats were inducted among other recapitalisation attainment within two years, saying the ocean had become the primary conduit of international trade and central to the global economy.

It says the sixteen new boats included two 110 MKII Fast Patrol Crafts, NNS NGURU, NNS EKULU, four 72MKII Inshore Patrol Craft- NNS GONGOLA, NNS OSE, NNS CALABAR, and NNS SHIRORO- and 10 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats.

The boats, According to the navy, will be deployed to protect critical oil installations in the Niger Delta as well as for joint operations, patrols of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Maritime Zone E.

Inaugurating the six fast patrol crafts and eight inflatable boats at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, Defence Minister Mansur Dan-Ali, said the nation was challenged by multi-faceted threats from both continental and maritime fronts with grave manifestations and increasing threats to maritime security.

Dan-Ali said crimes such as piracy, sea robbery and attack on strategic oil installations have complicated the nation’s maritime security environment and threatened with dire consequences, the overall wellbeing of the nation.

He said the procurement of the vessels by the Ministry of Defence again demonstrated theadministration’s unwavering commitment and willingness towards strengthening the Navy through provision of modern operating equipment and infrastructure.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, said Nigeria indeed relies on sea-based resources, particularly oil and gas, as well as maritime-based commerce for survival and sustained national development, saying the nation’s social and economic well-being is intricately linked to the seas, not only for trade, but also how it faces threats to its own security that develop across the seas.

According to him, their resolve to achieve high growth can be realised only if our maritime frontiers and assets are safe, stable and act as enablers, saying the navy was faced with myriads of potent threats in the maritime environment which was maritime terrorism, resource theft and sabotage of their supporting infrastructure.

Ibas said the NN would not have been able to achieve such remarkable progress in its fleet recapitalisation effort without the active support of the Federal Government.

Also at the event were Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani, Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Isa Misau, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Navy, Abdulsamad Dasuki, Director General, Nigerian Ports Authority Hadiza Bala-Usman, heads of military, paramilitary institutions in Lagos as well as captains of industries.