CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF ADDRESS TO SHIP’S COMPANY OF NNS LANA ON FRIDAY 16 APRIL 2021
PROTOCOL
1. I am delighted to be with you this morning as you prepare to set sail on your homebound voyage to Nigeria. Notably, the foremost desire of every littoral state is to have a fleet with the right mix of platforms to meet her operational objectives. Thus, it is with a deep sense of accomplishment that I stand before you to acknowledge yet another milestone achievement in NN’s fleet recapitalization efforts.
2. The induction of NNS LANA into the NN’s fleet would enhance our capacity in the provision of survey services and charting which are crucial to safe navigation for improved maritime security. Expectedly, NNS LANA will serve as a force multiplier in NN’s ability to project naval power for enhanced maritime security in the nation’s maritime environment and the Gulf of Guinea. This acquisition could not have been possible without the support and commitment of President, Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari whose desire is for the NN to have the requisite capability to meet her constitutional mandate for the nation’s economic prosperity.
3. I wish to commend the entire ship’s company for your good conduct since your arrival here in France in January this year. I recall there has not been any adverse report of any sort. I am also aware that you have been very cooperative with OCEA the ship building company and this has been very instrumental to the timely completion of the project. I therefore say well done to you all. So, as you proceed on your homebound voyage, I expect you all to maintain the good conduct as you would be showcasing our new acquisition, NNS LANA, to the seafaring world. It is pertinent to note that the CoronaVirus Pandemic is still very much around as the world is currently experiencing the second wave of the virus. So I implore you all to adhere to established COVID-19 protocols including extant port administrative procedures/guidelines. Let me use this opportunity to warn that you should avoid any act capable of tarnishing the image of the NN and our dear country in particular.
4. Furthermore, I am aware that OCEA has designed some shipborne training activities for the ships’ company enroute. The training is intended to further broaden your knowledge and sharpen your skills in the handling of the ship and its systems. So I enjoin you all to take the training seriously and absorb as much as possible bearing in mind that you have become a potential reference point to subsequent ships’ companies. Let me also state that you are not alone on this very important trip to Nigeria, we shall be with you all the way. Accordingly, arrangements have been made for you to be received at every port by a delegation from Nigeria. As I conclude, I wish to remind you all, that for our dear nation to maximise the value of this newly acquired ship for the protection of our maritime environment, you all must bring to bear NN core values of professionalism, integrity and teamwork.
5. On this note, I wish to thank Her Excellency the Nigerian Ambassador to France Mrs Modupe E Irele for all the support and wish Her Excellency continued success in her endeavours. To OCEA, I continue to look forward to further strengthening of the partnership between us. Lastly to the ship’s company, I am indeed proud of you all and I wish you fair winds and following seas as you sail home to Nigeria. God bless you all and Onward Together.