By Ali Elias
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s capacity to rival global standards in shipbuilding and repair. Speaking in Port Harcourt during an inspection of ongoing projects at the Naval Shipyard Limited (NSL), Ogalla expressed pride in the Navy’s achievements and potential.
“I came to look at some of the activities they are engaged in, and I’m quite impressed,” he stated.
The CNS, accompanied by Rear Admiral Etop Ebe, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, and other senior officers, inspected key projects, including the refurbishment of houseboats, construction of the Ibom Ferry for Akwa Ibom State (70% completed), and ten operational boats for naval operations (90% completed).
Other highlights included the nearly complete 200-ton slipway and ongoing waterfront dredging to expand berthing capacity. Ogalla noted that these projects not only enhance fleet operational readiness but also contribute to Nigeria’s maritime industry and the West African sub-region.
Ogalla emphasized the Navy’s progress in shipbuilding, including three standard warships and two ongoing Standard Seaward Defence Boats in Lagos. However, he highlighted challenges, such as limited industry patronage and awareness.
“We have the local capacity to build these ships,” he said. “Many industry players import equipment at ten times the cost, unaware of what we can produce here.”
He called for improved publicity to showcase the Navy’s shipbuilding expertise, adding, “We might not be at the highest level yet, but we are very close. The capacity of what we are building here beats world-class standards.”