BY Claire Mom
The Nigerian Naval Dockyard Ltd. (NDL) says it has repaired, refurbished, and handed over a ship belonging to the Benin Republic to strengthen bilateral relations and improve maritime security.
Abolaji Orederu, NDL admiral superintendent, spoke in Lagos during the handover ceremony on Wednesday.
NAN reports that the ship that was repaired and refurbished is the Benin Navy ship (BNS) PENDJARI 900.
Orederu said the initiative carried out by officers from both countries was to enhance the capability of a friendly navy.
“I must commend the officers and men of the Republic of Benin Navy for their diligence and commitment because they were never found wanting,” he said.
“We never had a single form of disciplinary case or illegal activities. They were professionals.”
The NDL admiral superintendent said the ship was the first of six to be repaired.
Goussanou Bernard, the chief of operations of the Benin Navy, said the ship would be deployed to fight insecurity on the waterways.
“We intend to deploy it to our maritime space. Nigeria and Benin are in the same Zone E, and we are facing the same threats. So, we need all ships to tackle insecurity,” the captain said.
Bernard noted that the relationship between both countries is rooted in a strong foundation, adding that the initiative would cement the bond.
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