The Nigerian Navy has intensified its indigenous shipbuilding drive, revealing that it has completed five locally built vessels since 2010, while two additional seaward defence boats and a ferry are currently under construction.
The Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Akinola Olatunde, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja to herald activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Olatunde, who represented the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas said the Navy had made remarkable progress from inheriting a few crafts at independence to becoming Africa’s strongest naval fleet.
“Furthermore, the Navy has embarked on shipbuilding and has constructed five vessels since 2010. These include a ferry, a dockboat and three seaward defence boats,” he said.
He added that ongoing shipbuilding projects were being handled at indigenous shipyards in Lagos and Port Harcourt.
