The Nigerian Navy on Tuesday marked a significant milestone in regional maritime cooperation with the formal relaunch and handover of the Benin Navy Ship (BNS) COUFFO. The vessel underwent a comprehensive refit, docking, and extensive repairs at the Naval Dockyard Limited in Victoria Island, Lagos, and has now been restored to full operational capacity.
The event, which drew the presence of top military officials, maritime stakeholders, and dignitaries from both Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, highlighted the deepening naval partnership between the two nations.
Representing the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Engineering, Rear Admiral Baratuaipri Iyalla, commended the achievement as a demonstration of the Nigerian Navy’s world-class capacity in ship maintenance and engineering. He emphasized that the successful relaunch of BNS COUFFO reflected the Navy’s commitment to advancing indigenous shipbuilding and maritime capabilities, not just for Nigeria but across the African region.
Rear Admiral Iyalla noted that the event marked a historic moment, as the vessel reenters service following an extensive period of refurbishment. He reiterated that this milestone was part of a broader bilateral agreement between the Nigerian and Benin Navies involving the repair of six Benin Navy ships in two phases. Phase one includes BNS PENDJARI, BNS COUFFO, and BNS MBK. While PENDJARI has already returned to the Benin fleet, repairs on MBK are nearing completion.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, praised the technical achievements of the dockyard team, describing the restoration of BNS COUFFO as a strategic milestone that enhances the dockyard’s commercial viability and technical reputation. He revealed that the maintenance works included major hull repairs, a complete overhaul of propulsion and auxiliary systems, and the restoration of degraded sections—all executed to international standards.
Rear Admiral Shehu added that over the past two decades, the dockyard has repaired more than 110 vessels, trained over 1,200 engineers and technicians, and is positioning itself as a regional hub for maritime logistics, construction, and innovation.
From the Benin side, Navy Captain Dossa Hounkpatin and Commander Wenceslas Gbaguidi represented the Chief of Naval Staff of the Benin Navy. Commander Gbaguidi expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for its professionalism and enduring partnership. He affirmed that the relaunch of BNS COUFFO was a proud moment for the Republic of Benin and a powerful example of African-led solutions to maritime security challenges.
The successful completion of this project is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, with discussions already underway for an annual maintenance contract to support the continued operational readiness of the Benin fleet.
As BNS COUFFO prepares to return to her home waters, the Nigerian Navy has once again showcased its evolving capacity in naval engineering while reinforcing its dedication to regional maritime safety, security, and collaboration. Rear Admiral Iyalla concluded the ceremony with a symbolic send-off, extending best wishes to the crew on their voyage home.
