Defence Minister opens 2023 Presidential Fleet Review in Lagos

By Ifeyinwa Omowole

The Minister of Defence, retired Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi,  has called for a vibrant Navy to enhance national prosperity.

Magashi made the call on Saturday in Lagos, when he declared the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review open.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of this year’s review is “Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity”.

The events for the review began from May 19 to May 22 , with a Maritime Discourse on Saturday, May 20.

The minister said that it was necessary for the nation to build a virile, forward-looking and responsive naval force capable of safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment.

He also said it was important that the three complementary factors of Man, Machine and Process, reflected the theme for the review and set the tone for the maritime discourse.

He called on the participants at the review to vigorously examine and appraise the topics of the discourse  to provide strategic direction to enable the Nigerian Navy to deliver on its enormous task.

He said, ”The tasks are no mean feat even for the most equipped navies.

”Therefore, as a precursor to the Presidential Fleet Review, I expect this Maritime Discourse to focus on introspecting and interrogating our strategic and operational inclinations towards promoting and supporting our Navy adequately.”

The minister also acknowledged the contributions President  Muhammad Buhari, for being a catalyst for the growth of the Nigerian Navy.

He also lauded President Buhari’s administration for his unwavering support for the
Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Auwal Gambo, in his address of welcome said that the prosperity of nations was linked to the huge resources derived from the maritime environment.

”As such, any impediment within the environment due to unavailability of a prepared naval fleet, would have undesirable consequences on economic survival of nations.

”These among others, are compelling reasons to further explore and unwrap formidable factors that can guarantee a prepared naval fleet poised to ameliorate maritime insecurity for prosperity,” Gambo said.

He said it was against this backdrop, that the theme for the Presidential Fleet Review, ”Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity” was conceptualised.

He said the theme also intended to support the strategic level initiative and emphasise the essence of a ready and responsive naval fleet as well as its contributions towards attainment of national prosperity.

(NAN)