In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Her Excellency, Senator (Dr) Oluremi Tinubu launched the second 76-meter High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) for the Nigerian Navy at DEARSAN Shipyard, Turkey, today, April 19, 2024. In a statement, Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Commodore Adams Aliu mentioned that the event, attended by dignitaries including the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, underscores Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing maritime security. Notably, this vessel, following the first OPV’s launch in October 2023, represents a significant stride in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and combating maritime threats.
Commodore Adams Aliu also stated that Vice Admiral Ogalla highlighted that the construction of these OPVs began in 2022, with DEARSAN Shipyard tasked with building two for the Nigerian Navy. He commended the shipyard’s management for meeting milestones and ensuring the vessels’ timely construction. The newly launched OPV, with specifications including a length of 76.90m, width of 11.90m, and a speed of 28 knots, showcases Nigeria’s commitment to fleet modernization, enabling enhanced operational capabilities to tackle various maritime challenges.
This vessel’s deployment according to the statement will bolster the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to curb illicit activities such as oil theft, piracy, and smuggling within Nigeria’s expansive maritime domain, spanning 84,000 square nautical miles. Furthermore, it aligns with the Federal Government’s Blue Economy initiatives, aimed at harnessing maritime resources for sustainable economic growth.
Vice Admiral Ogalla extended gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support in realizing the OPVs’ construction and emphasized the significance of the First Lady’s role in launching the vessel, a tradition symbolizing leadership and maritime prowess. This ceremony underscores Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to maritime security and underscores its readiness to tackle emerging threats in its maritime domain.
