…Event Marks Strengthened Bilateral Ties and Regional Maritime Cooperation Between Nigeria and Benin
The Nigerian Navy, through its Naval Dockyard Limited, on Tuesday officially handed over the refitted Benin Navy Ship (BNS) Matelot Brice Kpomassé to the Republic of Benin Navy, marking the successful completion of the vessel’s maiden docking and refit in Lagos.
The handing over ceremony, held at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, had in attendance senior officers of both navies, diplomats, defence attaches, and partners in the maritime and energy sectors.
In his welcome address, the Admiral Superintendent Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, Naval Dockyard Limited, expressed delight at the successful completion of the project and commended the enduring partnership between the Nigerian Navy and the Republic of Benin Navy, describing the collaboration as “a symbol of regional strength and mutual growth.”
“Today’s event is a testimony to the Nigerian Navy’s growing technical capacity and the trust reposed in us by our sister navies within the subregion. The successful refit of BNS Matelot Brice Kpomassé not only strengthens Benin’s naval capabilities but also advances our shared commitment to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea,” he stated.
The Admiral Superintendent recalled that the Republic of Benin Navy and the Naval Dockyard Limited had earlier signed an agreement for the docking and refit of six Beninese naval vessels. The repairs were structured in two phases, each covering three ships.
Phase One included BNS Pendjari, BNS Couffo, and BNS Matelot Brice Kpomassé all of which have now been completed. Phase Two, involving BNS Ouémé and BNS Zou, is currently in progress.
Shehu explained that the Naval Dockyard Limited Nigeria’s foremost naval engineering and maintenance facility has, over the years, extended its technical expertise to other African navies and commercial maritime partners. This expansion, he said, aligns with the Nigerian Navy’s strategic objectives under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), to promote indigenous capacity development and regional collaboration.
The Admiral Superintendent outlined the comprehensive scope of work undertaken on the BNS Matelot Brice Kpomassé, noting that the refit involved complete restoration of the ship’s operational efficiency and seaworthiness.
Major works included: Cropping and replating sections of the hull; Modification of stanchions to collapsible fittings; Reconstruction of degraded deck vents and fittings; Overhaul of main engines, generators, gearboxes, and anchor/windlass systems; Overhaul of steering gear and propulsion control systems; and Reconditioning of the rudder and various auxiliary components.
He emphasized that these repairs, once done exclusively by the ship’s original builders, have now been successfully executed by Nigerian naval engineers underscoring the nation’s growing self-reliance in ship maintenance and maritime technology.
“The completion of this refit represents not only a technical milestone but also a reaffirmation of our shared vision for security, stability, and economic growth within the Gulf of Guinea,” he added.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for his steadfast leadership, as well as to the Chief of Naval Staff of the Republic of Benin for his trust and partnership.
“We are proud to hand over a ship that now stands ready to serve its nation effectively. The friendship between Nigeria and Benin will continue to grow stronger through mutual respect, professionalism, and shared maritime interests,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff of the Republic of Benin, Commodore Alexandre Hounkpatin, represented by Captain Mohamed Idrissou, the Beninese Director of Military Organisation and Personnel, expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Navy and the Naval Dockyard Limited for what he described as a “remarkable feat of naval engineering and cooperation.”
“This event signifies much more than the completion of a refit. It is proof of the technical prowess of the Nigerian Naval Dockyard Limited a company worthy of a great African nation and a trusted partner in regional maritime development,” he stated.
Captain Idrissou hailed the partnership as a model of South-South cooperation, noting that the Matelot Brice Kpomassé was the third Benin Navy vessel to be refitted in Nigeria under the bilateral agreement.
He emphasized that such collaborations not only enhance fleet readiness but also foster joint efforts to combat insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly under the Yaoundé Architecture, which promotes intelligence sharing, joint exercises, and multinational maritime coordination.
“By pooling our technical and operational capabilities, our navies are better positioned to tackle the evolving challenges in our shared maritime domain. This cooperation stands as a beacon of hope for African maritime forces,” he added.
The Benin Navy also commended the Nigerian team for their flexibility and professionalism throughout the project, noting that their ability to adapt to administrative and technical challenges ensured the project’s successful delivery.
Addressing the ship’s crew, Captain Idrissou urged them to maintain the vessel with diligence and discipline, emphasizing that the refurbished ship now possesses the modern capability required for deep-sea patrol and national defence.
“As you set sail once again aboard Matelot Brice Kpomassé, I urge you to serve with loyalty and dedication. Your country depends on you to safeguard its maritime interests,” he said.
He concluded by extending gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for its hospitality and technical excellence, wishing the ship “fair winds and smooth sailing” as it departs Lagos for Cotonou.
The successful refit and handover of BNS Matelot Brice Kpomassé reaffirm Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for naval engineering and maintenance in West Africa. It also strengthens the operational synergy between both navies in ensuring maritime safety, combating piracy, and promoting stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
