REMARKS BY THE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF ON THE OCCASION OF THE CHANGE OF FLAG CEREMONY ONBOARD THE OFFSHORE SURVEY VESSEL 190 LANA AT NANTES FRANCE ON 15 APRIL 2021
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1. It is with a deep sense of fulfilment and gratitude to God Almighty, that I most sincerely welcome you all to this Change of Flag Ceremony onboard the Offshore Survey Vessel (OSV) 190 LANA of the Nigerian Navy (NN) here in Nantes. The Offshore Survey Vessel 190 was conceived as a replacement to the Nigerian Navy Ship LANA, a survey ship that was decommissioned about 10 years ago. Notably, in September last year the launching ceremony took place at Les Sables D’Olonne here in France. Thus, today’s event is the highpoint of the series of activities in the first phase of the acquisition process of the ship and fulfilment of the dream of not only replacing but enhancing Nigerian Navy survey capability.
2. Messrs OCEA was chosen to construct the Nigerian Navy’s new Offshore Survey Vessel through a highly competitive bidding process. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, shipbuilding is a complex and time-based engineering activity, which demands hard work, integration of diverse competences and attention to the minutest detail. Messrs OCEA was selected to execute the construction of our Offshore Survey Vessel 190 based on its track record of high quality ship building capacity as well as the belief in the company’s ability to adhere to agreed timelines. Permit me, therefore, to congratulate Messrs OCEA for the timely construction of this Offshore Survey Vessel. The timely construction of this ship by Messrs OCEA is much more significant bearing in mind that this has been achieved despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At this milestone event, I am glad to say that the confidence we reposed in Messrs OCEA has not been misplaced. The acquisition of NNS LANA brings to 18 the number of OCEA platforms in NN inventory. It is instructive to state that the company was recently awarded the contract to construct a 35m Hydro boat to complement NNS LANA.
3. The induction of the Offshore Survey Vessel 190 into the NN fleet would fill the void created following the decommissioning of NNS LANA. The provision of survey services and charting plays a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation as well as delivery of maritime security. Hence, this vessel will not only enhance the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment but the ship will serve as a critical component in the projection of naval power for enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. It will also play a critical role in protection of maritime resources and preservation of law and order at sea, thus contributing significantly to promotion of global maritime commerce. At this juncture, I wish to specially thank the President, Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment towards the recapitalization of the Nigerian Navy Fleet. This would contribute to bolstering the NN combat efficiency.
4. As I conclude, let me specially thank Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Her Excellency Mrs Modupe E Irele, the management and staff of Messrs OCEA and all others who have contributed one way or the other towards this Change of Flag Ceremony. The Nigerian Navy and, indeed the global seafaring community, look forward to the services of this masterpiece as she begins her voyage into the seas. I believe the craftsmanship, standard of engineering and support provided by Messrs OCEA will guarantee the effective presence of this vessel on the high seas for a long time to come. Without mincing words, I must say that the Commanding Officer and his ships’ company should consider themselves lucky to be in care of a brand new ship built by one of the best shipyards in Europe.
5. On this note, on behalf of the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Nigerian Navy, I thank Messrs OCEA for organising a colourful Change of Flag ceremony. I thank all our guests for being part of this ceremony. To the ships’ company I am proud of you all for your outstanding conduct. I wish you fair winds and smooth sailing to Nigeria. May God bless you all and Onward Together.