Buhari said this on Monday while speaking at the Presidential Fleet Review, 2023, at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to Buhari, the incoming administration would continue to maintain the relationship he had with the Nigerian Navy by providing necessary support as and when due.
“I have no doubt that the incoming administration of President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will sustain the current tempo of my administration in giving the Navy necessary support to effectively carry out its assigned tasks”, the President said.
Buhari showered praise on the impressive combat displays by the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service, alongside a combination of assets from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force.
He said: “I expect this to translate into the actual capability to dominate Nigeria’s maritime environment and secure the vast resources therein for the socio-economic development of our great country.”
On the administration’s efforts in recapitalizing the Navy Fleet in the last seven years, the President listed the acquisition of 20 capital ships for the Navy, comprising offshore patrol vessels, landing ship transports, hydrographic survey vessels, seaward defence boats, helicopters, as well as over 300 inshore patrol vessels and assault craft.
However, Buhari expressed hope that under Tinubu’s leadership, the Navy would continue to acquire new assets, expand shipbuilding for export purposes, promote indigenous production, intensify the fight against piracy, and address issues pertaining to crude oil theft in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Rounding off, the President wished the Navy well as he leaves office on May 29, 2023.
He said: “My best wishes to our Navy for protecting our maritime domain and the economic prosperity of Nigeria. As I leave office on May 29, I wish you all fair winds. Onward together and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
