President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned a Seaward Defence Boat III, also called Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Oji in Lagos State on Thursday. NNS Oji was built by the Nigerian Navy at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos after the successful construction of NNS Adoni and NNS Karaduwa, which were commissioned by President Buhari in 2016. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina disclosed this in a statement titled ‘Naval Dockyard, President Buhari Commissions NNS Oji, Another Made-In-Nigeria Vessel.’
The statement reads, “We should note that we are in a critical period where our country is faced with a serious decline in our revenue and the security challenges we are facing. The present realities, therefore, call for prudent resource management, innovativeness, accountability, and careful maintenance.
“I wish to reiterate that despite these challenges, our administration is very determined to ensure that the Navy is well supported to achieve its statutory responsibilities. Let me assure you that the Government will continue to support the ideals of the Nigerian Navy in the performance of its constitutional duties. God bless the Nigerian Navy, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Onward Together.”
The President also commended the Nigerian Navy for their contribution in the fight against pirates, pipeline vandals, illegal bunkering, and other miscreants.
The event also marked the commissioning of recently purchased platforms and the keel-laying ceremony for the construction of Boat-IV and Boat-V.