The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has hailed the successful restoration of the Republic of Benin’s naval vessel, BNS Couffo, at the Nigerian Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos, as a major achievement in maritime cooperation and technical advancement. Represented by Rear Admiral Baratuaipri Iyalla, Chief of Naval Engineering, during the relaunch ceremony, the CNS emphasized that the refurbishment would significantly boost the vessel’s operational performance, enabling it to better address evolving maritime threats and responsibilities. The upgraded warship is now capable of performing various missions, including surveillance, patrol, and search and rescue operations.
The repair work is part of a bilateral agreement signed in 2023 between the Republic of Benin Navy and Nigeria’s Naval Dockyard Limited, covering six Benin Navy ships. This project is divided into two phases, with the first including BNS PENDJARI, BNS COUFFO, and BNS MBK. BNS PENDJARI has already returned to service, while BNS COUFFO has just been relaunched. Work on BNS MBK is reportedly in its final stages. Rear Admiral Ogalla highlighted the achievement as a testament to the deepening maritime partnership between Nigeria and Benin and the progress in regional security cooperation.
The CNS expressed pride in the Naval Dockyard’s continued role in regional defense infrastructure, citing its record of repairing over 110 Nigerian Navy and merchant vessels in the past two decades, and training more than 1,200 engineers and technicians. In 2024 alone, the yard serviced 10 naval ships and 17 commercial vessels. This demonstrates not only Nigeria’s technical capabilities but also its growing reputation in indigenous shipbuilding and maritime engineering.
He encouraged the Dockyard to remain a symbol of African maritime innovation and excellence. In appreciation, Captain Hounkpatin Dossa of the Benin Navy praised the expertise and commitment of the Dockyard team, emphasizing how the overhaul of BNS Couffo would strengthen Benin’s ability to combat piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing, enhancing security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Commander Wencetas Gbaguidi, representing the CNS, further underscored that the relaunch symbolizes more than just the vessel’s return to sea; it reflects an enduring commitment to regional cooperation and readiness. He urged continued collaboration among African navies to protect the shared maritime domain and maintain peace in the region. He concluded by charging the officers and crew of BNS Couffo to uphold professionalism, ensuring the vessel’s renewed strength is matched by operational discipline and effectiveness.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Limited, outlined the extensive repairs on BNS Couffo, including hull restructuring, engine and system overhauls, and restoration of critical equipment. These efforts, he noted, have revitalized the ship, making it fit for duty and well-equipped to support Benin’s maritime missions.