REMARKS BY THE CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF VICE ADMIRAL AZ GAMBO AM GSS psc ensp (RSA) MTM FNIM LMUSNI FCIS FIIPS FCAI AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF 4 X SEMI BALLISTIC GUNBOATS CONSTRUCTED BY THE NAVAL SHIPYARD LIMITED HELD AT NAVAL SHIPYARD LIMITED PREMISES ON 25 OCTOBER 2021
PROTOCOL
1. It is my pleasure to, on behalf of the officers, ratings, and civilian staff of the NN, welcome everyone to this auspicious occasion of the launching ceremony of the 4 x Semi Ballistics Gunboats constructed by the Naval Shipyard Limited (NSL). I am indeed honoured to have here today the array of distinguished invited guests and I most heartily welcome our Special Guest of Honour, the Chief of Defence Staff. Your presence once again affirms your interest in the progress of the NN, especially the ongoing efforts at repositioning the NN for enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness.
2. The protection of Nigeria’s maritime environment remains a key mandate of the NN. Realising this objective entails developing the requisite capacity for shipbuilding as well as provision of necessary logistics support for the sustenance of the fleet. Thus, the NSL as one of the foremost naval engineering support components like the Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL) constitute a strategic asset to the NN regarding the construction of ships, boats, barges and houseboats among others as well as rendering support services in the repairs and maintenance of platforms in the fleet.
3. Distinguished invited guests, the construction of these Semi Ballistic Gunboats is yet another milestone achievement by the NSL in the provision of necessary support to the ongoing effort at combating threats to the nation’s maritime interest. Thus, the construction of these platforms and subsequent induction into the maritime assets of the JTF SS OP-DELTA SAFE would bolster the operational capacity of the JTF in the Niger Delta area. Notably, the partnership between the NDL and DHQ which culminated into these operational assets is an affirmation of the CDS conviction that the AFN can emplace a suitable security environment in the shortest possible time if the Services act collectively, decisively and clearly with passion and commitment. It will gladden you to note that the CDS conceived and ensured that the construction of these boats was granted to NSL when he was COTOPS in 1st Quarter 2020. I therefore most respectfully thank the CDS for their patronage, trust and believe in the capability of the NSL to build these boats for the Defence Headquarters.
4. I am particularly happy that this engagement has contributed to the development of the expertise of the NSL staff and expectedly a cost-saving option considering other competing demands for scarce resources. This endeavour also aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda of encouraging local content towards developing indigenous capacity and to reduce dependency on external vendors. It is expedient that with more investment in the Yard and patronage from sister Services and other security agencies, the capacity of the Yard would be enhanced. On its part, the NN is not relenting in its effort at developing the capacity of the NSL both human and infrastructure towards optimising the resources of the Yard for operational efficiency. To this end, the NN is exploiting partnership with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer to further develop the infrastructure and human capacity of the NSL towards national socio-economic development.
5. Before I conclude, distinguished invited guests please note that while NSL has successfully completed the construction of these beautiful boats, in a few weeks from now, the NN will again be hosting you and other dignitaries to the commissioning of the 43m Seaward Defence Boat III constructed by the NDL.
6. On this note, I want to sincerely thank the Commodore Superintendent, officers, ratings and civilian staff of NSL for this laudable achievement. I must not fail to once again express my sincere appreciation to our Special Guest of Honour for the patronage and the opportunity to showcase the capability of NSL. Thank you, Sir. Let me also thank all our distinguished invited guests for making time out of your very busy schedules to witness this ceremony. I wish you a safe return to your various destinations. Thank you, God bless and Onward Together.
AZ GAMBO
Vice Admiral
Oct 21 Chief of the Naval Staff