Navy: Lack of funding impedes fleet readiness for operations

Auwal Gambo, chief of naval staff (CNS), says there is an utmost need for the country to have well-prepared fleet to tackle crimes as well as sustain the economy. 

On Saturday, Gambo spoke at the 2023 maritime discourse on the presidential fleet review, in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, themed ‘fleet readiness for national prosperity’, the CNS said the prosperity of nations was linked to the huge resources derived from the maritime environment.

“As such, any impediment within the environment due to the unavailability of a prepared naval fleet would have undesirable consequences on the economic survival of nations, ” Gambo said.

“These among others, are compelling reasons to further explore and unwrap formidable factors that can guarantee a prepared naval fleet poised to ameliorate maritime insecurity for prosperity.”

In his remark, Bashir Magashi, minister of defence, said there is a need for the country to build a virile, forward-looking and responsive naval force, capable of safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment.

The minister called for intensified efforts in eradicating “die-hard criminals, resolute on carrying out nefarious activities with a detrimental effect on the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy”.

He also called on naval personnel to vigorously examine and appraise the topics of the discourse, so as to provide strategic direction for the navy to deliver its enormous task.

“The tasks are no mean feat even for the most equipped navies,” Magashi said.

“Therefore, as a precursor to the presidential fleet review, I expect this maritime discourse to focus on introspecting and interrogating our strategic and operational inclinations towards promoting and supporting our navy adequately.”

Meanwhile, Akinsola Johnson, retired rear admiral, during the panel session, said the federal government has made a remarkable effort in supporting the navy but more can be done. 

Speaking on fleet maintenance, Johnson said there cannot be preparedness or readiness without adequate plans for maintenance, adding that much can’t be done without adequate resources. 

He also highlighted the need for more funds, on-the-job training,  logistics support as well as incentives for personnel. 

“I must confess the government has been trying for the Nigerian navy for a long time. They have acquired many ships for us and patrol boats. They have done a lot. But you see, the issue is, the resources are lean.

“The navy has acquired about 55 ships and over 300 boats and that is huge.  It is with taxpayers’ money and the federal government, because of its commitment, was able to procure those vessels for us. However, those ships have to be maintained.  Maintenance of ships costs a lot of money.”

Meanwhile,  President Muhammadu Buhari will on May 22 induct new warships, gunboats and helicopters for the Nigerian navy, as part of the presidential fleet review.

Buhari would commission two ships, NNS Kada and NNS Ibeno, and a recently acquired NN helicopter.

More photos from the maritime discourse below.

Photos: Ibrahim Mansur/TheCable