History was made Thursday in Les Sables d’OIonne France with the launching of the first-ever purpose-built hydrographic survey vessel by the Nigerian Navy.
At the ceremony at the OCEA shipyard, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete lbas, represented by Rear Admiral Abraham Adaji said that the new vessel was conceived as a replacement for the Nigerian Navy survey vessel, NNS LANA which was decommissioned about 10 years ago.
In a statement by Commodore Suleman Dahun for the Chief of Naval Staff, according to the CNS, the launching ceremony was a great significance as it marked a giant stride in the efforts towards actualising the dreams of not only restoring but enhancing the Nigerian Navy’s survey capability.
He also emphasised that surveying and charting, play a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation as well as delivery of maritime security, hence, the new vessel will not only enhance the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment but also serve as a critical component of deployment of naval power for enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
While stating that the vessel will also play a critical role in the protection of maritime resources and preservation of law and order at sea, thus contributing significantly to the promotion of global maritime commerce, the CNS specially thanked the President, Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support to the recapitalisation of the Nigerian Navy Fleet.
