Judul : Nigerian Navy Completes Ship Overhaul, Delivers Benin Vessel
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Nigerian Navy Completes Ship Overhaul, Delivers Benin Vessel
The Nigerian Navy, via its Naval Dockyard Limited, officially transferred the renovated Benin Navy Ship (BNS) Matelot Brice Kpomassé to the Benin Republic Navy on Tuesday, signifying the successful conclusion of the ship's first docking and renovation in Lagos.
The transfer ceremony, which took place at the Naval Dockyard Limited on Victoria Island, Lagos, was attended by high-ranking officials from both navies, diplomats, defense attachés, and representatives from the maritime and energy industries.
During his opening speech, Admiral Superintendent Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu expressed satisfaction with the project's successful conclusion and praised the long-standing cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Benin Republic Navy, referring to the partnership as "a representation of regional power and shared development."
The event of today highlights the increasing technical capabilities of the Nigerian Navy and the confidence placed in us by our neighboring naval forces in the subregion.
The effective overhaul of BNS Matelot Brice Kpomassé not only enhances Benin's naval strength but also highlights our joint dedication to maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea.
Rear Admiral Shehu mentioned that the Navy of the Republic of Benin and Naval Dockyard Limited had previously entered into an agreement for the docking and modernization of six Beninese naval ships. He clarified that the maintenance work was divided into two stages, each involving three vessels.
Phase One featured BNS Pendjari, BNS Couffo, and BNS Matelot Brice Kpomassé—none of which remain unfinished—whereas Phase Two, which includes BNS Ouémé and BNS Zou, is currently underway.
Shehu pointed out that the Naval Dockyard Limited, Nigeria's leading naval engineering and maintenance center, has, over time, shared its technical knowledge with other African navies and commercial maritime companies.
This growth, he mentioned, corresponds to the Nigerian Navy's strategic goals during the tenure of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), aimed at fostering local capability enhancement and regional cooperation.
He also described the extensive range of tasks carried out on the BNS Matelot Brice Kpomassé, highlighting that the overhaul focused on fully restoring the vessel's operational effectiveness and ability to navigate at sea.
He mentioned that significant tasks involved the Cropping and re-plating sections of the hull; converting stanchions into collapsible fittings; repairing damaged deck vents and components; overhauling main engines, generators, gearboxes, and anchor/windlass systems; overhauling steering gear and propulsion control systems; and restoring the rudder and several auxiliary parts.
He highlighted that these repairs, which were previously carried out only by the ship's initial builders, are now being effectively handled by Nigerian naval engineers, demonstrating the country's increasing independence in ship maintenance and maritime technology.
"The conclusion of this refit marks not just a technical achievement but also a reaffirmation of our collective vision for security, stability, and economic development in the Gulf of Guinea," he added.
Rear Admiral Shehu thanked the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for his consistent leadership, as well as the Chief of Naval Staff of the Republic of Benin for his confidence and collaboration.
"We are honored to transfer a vessel that is now prepared to serve its country efficiently. The bond between Nigeria and Benin will keep strengthening through mutual respect, expertise, and common maritime goals," he stated.
During his comments, the Chief of Naval Staff of the Republic of Benin, Commodore Alexandre Hounkpatin, who was represented by Captain Mohamed Idrissou, Director of Military Organisation and Personnel, conveyed deep gratitude to the Nigerian Navy and Naval Dockyard Limited for what he referred to as a "remarkable achievement in naval engineering and collaboration."
This occasion goes beyond merely finishing a refit. It demonstrates the technical skill of the Nigerian Naval Dockyard Limited—a company that represents a great African nation and is a reliable ally in regional maritime progress.
Captain Idrissou praised the collaboration as an example of South-South cooperation, mentioning that the Matelot Brice Kpomassé was the third vessel from the Benin Navy to be overhauled in Nigeria under the bilateral arrangement.
He highlighted that these partnerships not only improve fleet preparedness but also encourage collective actions against instability in the Gulf of Guinea, especially through the Yaoundé Architecture, which supports information exchange, combined drills, and coordinated maritime efforts among nations.
"By combining our technical and operational strengths, our navies are more equipped to address the changing challenges within our common maritime area. This collaboration serves as a symbol of hope for African naval forces," he added.
The Benin Navy also praised the Nigerian team for their adaptability and expertise during the project, highlighting that their capacity to handle administrative and technical issues contributed to the project's successful completion.
Speaking to the ship's crew, Captain Idrissou encouraged them to care for the vessel with dedication and order, highlighting that the updated ship now has the advanced features necessary for deep-sea monitoring and national security.
"As you embark on another voyage aboard Matelot Brice Kpomassé, I encourage you to serve with loyalty and commitment. Your nation relies on you to protect its maritime concerns," he stated.
He ended by expressing appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for its warm welcome and professional skills, hoping the vessel "safe travels and calm waters" as it leaves Lagos for Cotonou.
The effective refit and transfer of BNS Matelot Brice Kpomassé highlight Nigeria's role as a key center for naval engineering and repair in the West African region.
It also enhances the operational collaboration between both navies in maintaining maritime security, fighting piracy, and fostering stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
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Tagged: Nigeria, Arms and Military Affairs, Governance, West Africa, Conflict, Peace and Security
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