National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
The determination of the Nigerian Navy to ensure that the Nigerian Navy Ship ARADU is back to the sea to continue her interdictory roles continues, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Messrs Dearsan Shipbuilders, a Turkish company.
The MoU was signed by both parties at the Naval headquarters in Abuja recently.
By this agreement, it would kick start a comprehensive Refitting, refurbishment and remodelling of NNS ARADU, which would enhance Navy’s capacity and ability to have robust dominance of our waters, and by extension, thwart the activities of maritime criminals and sea robbers.
Admiral Gambo, had during the Presidential Fleet Review Maritime Discourse in May 2023, announced the approval by the Federal government to carry out the refurbishment of the ship in Turkey.
NNS ARADU, which was commissioned in 1982 as a frigate and Nigerian flagship, has deteriorated over the years making it impossible for her to engage in robust interdictions and participating in both national and foreign operations as she had always done.
According to Admiral Gambo, the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria through the unrelenting efforts of the standing Senate Committee on rehabilitation of Nigerian Navy Ship ARADU, makes it possible to be gathered today to commence modalities to re-role and modernize the nation’s Flag Ship.
He expresses his gratitude to Mr. Aziz Yildirim, the President of Dearsan Shipyard, and his esteemed team members for their unwavering dedication and also delighted not only to be present at the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding but also for the significant meaning it holds.
“Another significance of today’s event is the landmark agreement for the supply of additional 57-meters Fast Attack Craft to support the remodelled Flag Ship.
“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 socio-economic prosperity of Nigeria and Africa at large.
He observed that the choice of partnering with Messrs Dearsan Shipyard is based on the company’s track record in high-quality ship building capability as well as strict adherence to agreed timelines.
“Gratefully, Dearsan Shipyard is currently constructing two High Endurance 76 meters Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Nigerian Navy in Turkey”, He added.
Responding, the Managing Director of Dearsan Shipyard, Mekat Gordi, expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for selecting their company for the project, assuring that Dearsan Shipyard is committed to delivering exceptional results and making the project truly remarkable and memorable.
Significantly, Admiral Gambo reiterated, the key factor in this project is the integration of various equipment, auxiliaries, and subsystems into the construction of the Offshore Patrol Vessels. These additions will enhance the operational capabilities and standardization of the equipment on board the NNS ARADU, ensuring smooth maintenance and extending the lifespan of the refurbished flagship.
The refitting and remodelling process would take 24 months to complete.
