Nigerian Navy to commission two new seaward defence boats

By Taiwo Scholarstica

The Nigerian Navy will next week commission two newly acquired Seaward Defence Boats as part of efforts to strengthen maritime security and improve its operational capability across the country’s territorial waters.

The 12-metre Seaward Defence Boats were procured by the Federal Government under the administration of President Bola Tinubu to modernise the Navy’s fleet and enhance its capacity to tackle emerging security threats within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The new vessels are expected to improve maritime surveillance, support coastal patrol operations and enable faster response to criminal activities at sea, particularly in coastal and offshore areas. They will also complement existing naval assets deployed for the protection of the nation’s waterways and strategic maritime infrastructure.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to officiate at the commissioning ceremony, which will formally bring the boats into active service.

The acquisition reflects the Federal Government’s continued investment in strengthening the operational readiness of the Nigerian Navy. It is aimed at improving the service’s ability to combat piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing and other maritime crimes, while ensuring the safety of commercial shipping activities within Nigeria’s waters.

The addition of the two boats is also expected to enhance the Navy’s efforts to protect offshore oil and gas installations, secure critical national assets and maintain a stronger presence across the country’s maritime environment.

With the new platforms joining its fleet, the Nigerian Navy is expected to further boost maritime safety, reinforce national security and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy by creating a safer environment for trade, investment and other legitimate economic activities on the nation’s waterways.