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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Economy & Trade

Navy ramps up local shipbuilding, completes five vessels, three underway

From The Punch · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Nigerian Navy has significantly advanced its indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, completing five vessels since 2010 and having three more under construction.
  • Ongoing projects include a ferry for the Akwa Ibom State Government and two seaward defense boats, built at local shipyards in Port Harcourt and Lagos.
  • The Navy's progress is highlighted by its transformation from a small fleet inherited at independence to Africa's strongest naval force, capable of building its own ships and refitting vessels for neighboring countries.

The Nigerian Navy is marking its 70th anniversary with a strong emphasis on its remarkable achievements in indigenous shipbuilding, a testament to its growing self-reliance and technological advancement. Rear Admiral Akinola Olatunde revealed that the Navy has successfully constructed five vessels since 2010, including a ferry and three seaward defense boats, with two more defense boats and a ferry currently in various stages of production at domestic shipyards.

Furthermore, the Navy has embarked on shipbuilding and has constructed five vessels since 2010. These include a ferry, a dockboat and three seaward defence boats.

· Rear Admiral Akinola OlatundeChief of Policy and Plans, detailing the Navy's shipbuilding accomplishments.

This homegrown capability is a source of national pride, showcasing the Navy's evolution from a modest collection of crafts inherited at independence to becoming the strongest naval fleet in Africa. The ongoing projects at the Naval Shipyard Limited in Port Harcourt and the Naval Dockyard Limited in Lagos demonstrate Nigeria's capacity to not only build its own naval assets but also to provide crucial refitting services for the navies of neighboring countries, such as the Benin Republic.

Presently, the Naval Shipyard Limited in Port Harcourt is constructing a 27-metre ferry for the Akwa Ibom State Government, while the Naval Dockyard Limited in Lagos is constructing two seaward defence boats of 44.2 metres in length.

· Rear Admiral Akinola OlatundeProviding specifics on ongoing shipbuilding projects.

The significance of local shipbuilding extends beyond mere construction; it represents a strategic imperative for national security and economic development. The ability to design, build, and maintain naval vessels domestically reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, enhances operational readiness, and fosters a skilled workforce. The indigenously built vessels have already played a prominent role in national events, including leading the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review, and are set to be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu during the anniversary celebrations, underscoring their importance to the nation's maritime strength.

The aspect of shipbuilding is something that we should be proud of as Nigerians, for the fact that we can build our ships.

· Rear Admiral Akinola OlatundeExpressing pride in Nigeria's indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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