As part of the fleet recapitalisation effort of the federal government, the Nigerian Navy has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dearsan Shipyard Turkey to remodel the NNS ARADU.

On Tuesday, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, said the MoU was signed to refit the ship to enhance navy’s capability for enhanced security within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“The MoU will re-ignite the partnership between both organisations in promoting synergy toward enhancing security as well as fostering operations and ship-building engagements that will enhance capability for the sustainable development of the Blue Economy for Nigeria’s prosperity,” he said.

Mr Gambo said the NNS ARADU, commissioned into the Nigerian Navy Fleet as the Flag Ship in 1985, had represented Nigeria in diverse naval operations and exercises within Africa and beyond.

He said it was the only variant of the five MEKO 360 Frigates built in Germany for Argentine and Nigerian Navies. According to him, wear and tear associated with sustained use and the harsh operating environment have taken their toll on the edifice.

“However, with the support of the federal government of Nigeria through the unrelenting efforts of the standing Senate committee on rehabilitation of NNS ARADU, we are gathered here today to commence modalities to reroll and modernise the nation’s flagship,” Mr Gambo explained. “Another significance of today’s event is the landmark agreement for the supply of additional 57-meter Fast Attack Craft to support the remodelled flagship.”

He added, “Undoubtedly, operationalisation of these two vessels will not only increase the fleet of ships but also reposition the Nigerian navy for enhanced maritime security operations for the socio-economic prosperity of Nigeria and Africa at large.”

The naval chief said partnering Messrs Dearsan Shipyard was based on the company’s track record in high-quality ship-building capability and strict adherence to agreed timelines.

He added that the firms were currently constructing two High Endurance 76-meter Offshore Patrol Vessels for the navy in Turkey.

“A major consideration is the fact that several equipment, auxiliaries and subsystems being used in the construction of the offshore patrol vessels will be fitted on board NNS ARADU,” Mr Gambo explained. “This is to further enhance operability and equipment standardisation, which undoubtedly will guarantee seamless maintenance necessary to extend the life span of the remodelled flagship.”

(NAN)