The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, retired Rear Adm. John Jonah yesterday told the Nigerian Navy that it would enhance the nation’s maritime trade by building its own ships.
Jonah, who was the Special Guest of Honour at a sailing competition organised by the Nigerian Navy Sailing Club, Ojo, Lagos, said there was need for the Navy to begin to design and construct its own vessels to create jobs and arrest capital flight.
According to a statement issued on his behalf by Lt.-Com. Charles Brinemigha, the Bayelsa Deputy Governor lamented that millions of dollars is being spent annually by the Nigerian Navy to procure vessels abroad, but that locally-produced ones would meet the immediate needs of the nation.
According to him, Nigeria is basically a maritime country and that there are so much activities in the maritime area which account for the growing need for platforms to meet up with the demand.
“One thing that is in favour of Nigeria is genuine engineers who are willing to embark on such projects. The Cabotage law also creates opportunities for the Navy to produce crafts at certain level, which can be easily manufactured locally,” Jonah was quoted as saying.