Nigeria Navy Dockyard Limited and its Benin Republic counterpart weekend at Yaoundé signed an agreement that would empower the Naval Dockyard to carry out repair works on six of its non-functional platforms.
The agreement is historical in that it will not only bring about regional cooperation, it will also enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Superintendent of Naval Dockyard, Rear Admiral Bolaji Orederu, who led the Nigeria delegation, said the agreement was a testament to mutual regional cooperation in the fight against maritime insecurity, especially at the Gulf of Guinea.
He said: “The countries in Zone E, which comprises Nigeria, Togo, Benin Republic and Niger, are expected to contribute ships to enhance maritime security in that zone and, by extension, the Gulf of Guinea.
Now in a situation where the pressure comes upon one or two countries, it reduces the operational effectiveness of that zone. So if Nigeria can assist Benin Republic revive its six platforms, then they will be in a position to contribute more to the activities of the zone, thereby enhancing maritime security in that zone and, of course, ensuring that the Gulf of Guinea is safe and secure for business and national prosperity of all the countries.”
In his remarks, the Benin Chief of Naval Staff, Navy Captain Jean Lem Olatoundji,said the occasion had furtherstrengthened regional ties between both countries.
