For Strides in Innovation, Construction, the Naval Dockyard Receives Rep’s Commendation

The Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL)  has solidified its reputation as a hub of innovation driven by the local content while driving Nigeria’s maritime security and bolstering regional stability in the Gulf of Guinea. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that during the recent oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on the Navy, the dockyard deservedly received commendation for its strides in vessel construction, maintenance, and refurbishment, which have significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Navy and others 

Undoubtedly, the Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL) of the Nigerian Navy has emerged as a symbol of innovation given the critical role it plays in enhancing the operational capabilities of Nigeria’s maritime security and the broader Gulf of Guinea. This they have done through local content by constructing, maintaining and even refurbishing vessels, thus enhancing the navy’s ability to combat piracy, smuggling, and other maritime threats.

Recently, the House of Representatives Committee on the Navy, led by its Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, conducted an oversight visit to inspect the dockyard’s projects and operations. Their assessment highlighted the Dockyard’s transformation into a hub of local content and technical ingenuity.

“The Naval Dockyard Has Been Doing Well”

Hon Gagdi did not hold back his admiration for the Naval Dockyard’s progress over the years. Reflecting on his experience, he remarked, “The Naval Dockyard has been doing well. This is my sixth year as Chairman of Navy. So, if there is anybody that knows how the Naval Dockyard was, I should be in a better position. I can tell you the status of the dockyard six years ago: what they produced and what they didn’t produce.”

He noted that the dockyard’s workshops, once plagued by inefficiencies, are now functioning at full capacity. “Their electroplating workshop, electrical workshop, and mechanical workshop are all functional. They mix their chemicals now and will soon start gold plating. Today, 90 per cent of the departments are functioning at full capacity,” Gagdi said.

He went on to add that “From what we have seen here, we have agreed that the performance of the Dockyard is something that the National Assembly needs to commend. We have to ensure that the capacity of the Dockyard is improved to the extent that it becomes a technological institution that will be the pride of the Gulf of Guinea.”

In response, the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, ASNDL, 

Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu, attributed this success to exemplary leadership and the strategic support of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Emmanuel Ogalla.

Modestly declining to take personal credit for the dockyard’s achievements, he said it would not have been possible without the the unwavering support and vision of Vice Admiral Ogalla.

“Everything we have accomplished here is thanks to the support we receive from the Chief of the Naval Staff,” Rear Admiral Orederu said. “His leadership and commitment to strengthening the Navy’s operational capabilities have made our work at the Dockyard possible,” he added. 

Prime Example of Local Content in the Maritime Sector

The Naval Dockyard is a prime example of Nigeria’s push for local content in the maritime sector. It’s no gainsaying that the construction of the NNS ANDONI, Nigeria’s first locally built Seaward Defense Boat, in 2012 was a historic milestone that buttresses this as it demonstrated that Nigerian engineers could deliver complex maritime projects. 

Beyond this, the dockyard has since expanded its shipbuilding capabilities, producing vessels like the NNS KARADUWA and NNS UNITY, further solidifying its ground and reducing reliance on foreign imports.

Beyond new construction, the dockyard also excels in refurbishing and upgrading vessels, extending their service lives and enhancing operational performance. One notable achievement is the recent refurbishment of a vessel (with five others still in the works) for the Republic of Benin, underscoring the dockyard’s role as a regional maintenance hub. 

Enhancing Regional Security

Expectedly, the dockyard’s work has far-reaching implications for regional security. By maintaining a fleet of locally built and refurbished vessels, the Nigerian Navy is better equipped to patrol its waters, enforce maritime laws, and contribute to anti-piracy efforts. 

This capability benefits neighbouring countries, especially those in the ECOWAS Zone E of the Yaounde Architecture, this fostering regional solidarity and jointly strengthening the fight against maritime crime.

Therefore, as the Naval Dockyard Limited continues to break new ground, it is imperative that continuous investment is given to the dockyard to sustain this momentum.