President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his confidence in the incoming government led by President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, stating that it would maintain the momentum of his administration.
Speaking at the Presidential Fleet Review, 2023, in Lagos, Buhari commended the military’s combat readiness and affirmed his belief that Tinubu would continue to provide crucial support to the Nigerian Navy, ensuring the positive trajectory achieved during his tenure. He acknowledged that the fleet review would likely be his last as President and Commander-in-Chief. Vanguard reported.
Buhari expressed immense satisfaction with the naval assets on display and the military’s combat readiness. Reflecting on the navy’s achievements during his eight-year administration, he confidently stated, “I have no doubt that the incoming administration of President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu will sustain the current tempo of my administration in giving the Navy necessary support to effectively carry out its assigned tasks.”
He extended his best wishes to the Nigerian Navy for their efforts in protecting the maritime domain and the economic prosperity of Nigeria, emphasizing his departure from office on May 29.
The President expressed hope that under Tinubu’s leadership, the Navy would continue to acquire new assets, expand shipbuilding for export, promote indigenous production, intensify the fight against piracy, and address issues related to crude oil theft in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He praised the reduction in piracy over the past seven years, leading to Nigeria’s removal from the list of piracy-prone countries by the International Maritime Bureau in March 2022. Buhari commended the application of technology in securing the maritime domain, which enhanced the effectiveness of naval ships through intelligence-driven deployment.
President Buhari acknowledged the significance of the diverse ships and helicopters on display, symbolizing Nigeria’s maritime power and preparedness to fulfill the Navy’s constitutional roles. He praised the impressive combat displays by elements of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service and a combination of assets from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, stating, “I expect this to translate into the actual capability to dominate Nigeria’s maritime environment and secure the vast resources therein for the socio-economic development of our great country.”
Emphasizing the strong link between maritime security and economic prosperity, the President highlighted the importance of utilizing maritime resources safely and securely to drive national prosperity and support Nigeria’s aspirations for a thriving blue economy. Buhari listed the administration’s efforts in recapitalizing the Navy Fleet over the last seven years, including the acquisition of 20 capital ships, helicopters, inshore patrol vessels, and assault craft.
During the fleet review, President Buhari inaugurated significant additions to the Navy’s fleet, such as a new helicopter manufactured in Italy and the landing ship transport constructed in the United Arab Emirates.
He expressed gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for their generous donation, highlighting the importance of mutual military cooperation and its encouragement of local shipbuilding efforts by the Nigerian Navy.
Buhari praised the positive outcomes of Nigeria’s indigenous shipbuilding endeavors and expressed confidence that the Navy would soon construct larger ships for itself and other navies in the region and beyond, contributing to national development.
