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By Philip Nwosu
The Beninois Navy on Wednesday took delivery of its refurbished deep-sea patrol vessel, Beninois Navy Ship (BNS) Matelot Brice Kpomasse (MBK), following extensive maintenance carried out by the Nigerian Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The refurbished vessel was officially handed over during a brief ceremony attended by senior naval officials from both countries.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Naval Staff of Benin Republic, Commodore Dossa Hounkpatin, commended the Nigerian Navy for restoring the vessel to optimal condition and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening maritime security cooperation with Nigeria.
Represented by the Beninois Director of Military Organisation and Personnel, Capt. Mohamed Idrissou, Hounkpatin said the successful refit of BNS MBK demonstrated the “undeniable technical capability and expertise” of the Nigerian Naval Dockyard.
He described the partnership as a model of effective South-South cooperation in naval engineering and ship maintenance, noting that it had already produced “tangible and convincing results.”
“Since the beginning of this partnership, BNS MBK is the third vessel of the Beninese Navy to benefit from the services of the Nigerian Naval Dockyard Limited,” he said.
“The existence of this company is a source of hope and satisfaction for military navies and commercial maritime forces across the subregion.”
Hounkpatin added that the collaboration reflected the political will of both navies to jointly address maritime security challenges within the Gulf of Guinea.
The Beninese naval chief highlighted ongoing joint efforts under the Yaoundé Architecture, which facilitates sub-regional maritime coordination through the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centres.
He noted that the regular conduct of naval exercises and intelligence sharing among West African navies were clear indicators of deepening cooperation.
“I sincerely hope that this willingness to collaborate and work together will be strengthened and intensified in the interests of the states of our subregion and their maritime economies,” Hounkpatin said.
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He also expressed appreciation to the engineers and technicians of the Nigerian Naval Dockyard for their professionalism, urging the commander and crew of the BNS MBK to operate the vessel with discipline and dedication.
“You will set sail again on a vessel that has been completely refurbished and now exudes the modernity and solidity required to face the waters of the Gulf of Guinea and beyond,” he added.
In his remarks, the Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, recalled that the Republic of Benin Navy and the Dockyard had signed an agreement for the docking and refit of six Beninese naval vessels.
He noted that the refit of BNS PENDJARI and BNS COUFFO had already been completed, while work was ongoing on BNS OUEME and BNS ZOU.
“The docking and refit of the Republic of Benin Navy ships in the Yard is a significant milestone in bolstering regional capacity for maritime security and military cooperation between both navies,” Shehu stated.
According to Shehu, major works on BNS MBK included cropping and replating of hull sections, overhauling of main engines and generators, modification of deck fittings, replacement of the anchor, and reconstruction of degraded deck vents.
The Dockyard also overhauled the steering gear, propulsion control systems, and reconditioned the rudder among several other components.
“The ship has been restored to full operational capability and seaworthiness, enabling it to effectively fulfil its mission in Benin’s maritime domain,” the admiral said.
Shehu expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for his leadership and support, which he said made the successful completion of the project possible.
The successful handover of BNS MBK marks yet another milestone in the growing maritime cooperation between Nigeria and Benin Republic, reinforcing both nations’ shared commitment to ensuring security and stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
