The second Nigerian Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) NNS UNITY which was under construction in China has been completed and has commenced her journey to join the Nigerian Navy fleet.
A statement from the Nigerian Navy Spokesman Commodore Chris Ezekobe said the vessel has been handed over to Nigeria and has commenced her 9719 nautical miles back home.
At the Handing over and departure ceremony in China, the Chief of the Naval Staff represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani conveyed the appreciation of the Navy to the C-In-C, President Muhammadu Buhari for approving all steps taken towards the departure of NNS UNITY.
He stated that NNS UNITY upon joining the NN fleet would strengthen the efforts against all maritime crimes and illegalities in the nation’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea in general.
He also added that areas hitherto that were unable to be covered by other NN ships will now be covered by NNS UNITY which will no doubt enhance the NN’s effectiveness and responsiveness to the maritime security challenges within Nigeria’s waters.
NNS UNITY en route Nigeria will pay ‘port calls’ on some ports of friendly nations before arriving Nigeria.
This will further boost the existing cordial relationship with sister navies around the world and the Gulf of Guinea in particular.
He concluded by soliciting the maintenance and improved cooperation between Nigeria and the respective China Ship building corporations further beyond the departure of NNS UNITY.
The ceremony which was adjudged a success, was attended by the following:
1. Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy Senator Isa Misau,
2. Chairman, House of Representative Committee on the Navy Honourable Abdulsamad Dasuki,
3. Representative of the Honourable Minister of Defense Hajia Rabi Tedman,
4. the Consul General of Nigerian Mission in Shanghai and,
5. Senior Officers of the Nigerian Navy.
NNS UNITY departed China today 21 Sep 16 and expected to arrive Nigeria in the first week of November 2016.
© Copyright 2016 www.elombah.com; Send eyewitness accounts/reports/articles to publisher@elombah.com; follow us on twitter handle @Elombah; like our Facebook page: “Elombah.com”