The Nigerian Navy has strengthened its maritime security capability by inducting Security Support Vessel (SSV) KALI 3 to better protect Nigeria’s maritime interests.

The induction took place at Asemoku Jetty in Delta on Tuesday and was presided over by the chief of naval staff, Idi Abbas, according to a statement on Tuesday.

The SSV KALI 3 is the first of 10 Security Support Vessels being provided by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company under a memorandum of agreement with the navy.

He said the initiative reflected a strategic public-private partnership to translate private-sector investment into tangible maritime security capability.

“Notably, KALI 3 was designed and built in Nigeria at the Okpai HM Shipyard in Delta, in collaboration with the navy. This highlights the growing contribution of indigenous shipbuilding capacity to national security and economic development,” the navy said.

Mr Abbas, who spoke at the induction, restated that protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and critical energy assets is essential to sustaining economic activity, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

Mr Abbas commended SEEPCO for its commitment to the initiative and urged other responsible maritime stakeholders to support partnerships that advance national security.

He charged the personnel assigned to operate KALI 3 to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, integrity and operational readiness, while reaffirming the navy’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that enhance maritime security.

(NAN)