Spain, Brazil and Ghana are to participate in a four-day Presidential Fleet Review (PFR) during which President Muhammadu Buhari will on May 22 induct new warships, gunboats and helicopters for the Nigerian Navy (NN).
Organised in honour of Buhari “in recognition of his generous contribution to the service and the nation at large,” the events are part of the activities to mark the exit of the President on May 29, 2023 as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rear Admiral Seidu Garba, Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, said the platforms to be commissioned by President Buhari include two ships – NNS Kada and NNS Ibeno – and a recently acquired NN helicopter.
Admiral Garba added that the event slated to hold from May 19 to May 22 in Lagos would eature not only the PRF but also ceremonial sailing pass exercise, combat and aerial displays.
According to Garba: “Permit me to recall that during the 8-year administration of President Buhari, a total of 20 capital ships were procured for the NN. The ships comprise offshore patrol vessels, landing ships transport, hydrographic survey vessels, seaward defence boats, helicopters, as well as over 300 inshore patrol vessels and assault crafts.
“The President also commissioned two locally built ships in 2016 and 2021 and laid the keel for two more, which will be ready by 2024. The NN deems it appropriate to honour the Commander-in-Chief for his support of the service.
“The PFR 2023 is therefore, organised in honour of President Buhari in recognition of his generous contribution to the service and the nation at large and to also mark the culmination of Mr President’s administration.”
Garba said PRF was a tradition of navies across the world, conducted to honour their heads of government.
He added that the PFR will involve 16 NN warships, three NN helicopters and a mix of Nigerian Air Force Aircraft.
“The participating NN ships are NNS THUNDER, NNS CENTENARY, NNS IKENNE, NNS KADA, NNS LANA, NNS KANO, NNS NGURU, NNS IBENO, NNS ABA, NNS OJI, NNS ANDONI, NNS OSUN, NNS OSE, NNS EKULU, NNS GONGOLA and NNS SHIRORO.
“The participating NAF aircraft are one MI35 Helicopter, one Diamond-42, one ATR-42 MPA and three A29 Super Tucano.
“Some foreign warships from allied nations including Spain, Brazil and Ghana are also expected to participate in the exercise.”