The Nigerian Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos, has completed repairs on a key naval ship belonging to the Republic of Benin, the BNS Couffo. The vessel was formally re-launched during a ceremony held at the Dockyard on Monday.
The event was attended by top naval officers and representatives from both Nigeria and Benin. Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Engineering, Rear Admiral Baratuaipri Iyalla, noted that the restored warship would now have improved capacity for maritime duties, including surveillance, patrols, and emergency missions such as search and rescue operations.
The repair of BNS Couffo is part of a broader agreement signed in 2023 between the Republic of Benin Navy and the Nigerian Naval Dockyard to restore six of Benin’s naval vessels. This contract was split into two phases, each consisting of three ships. The BNS Pendjari was the first ship completed and returned to service. BNS MBK, the third ship in the first phase, is nearing completion.
Rear Admiral Iyalla stated, “This re-launch ceremony gives me an opportunity to once again reaffirm my confidence in the competence and commitment of the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Naval Dockyard Limited.”
The CNS also noted that the Dockyard’s performance in 2024 alone was significant, having serviced 10 Nigerian Navy ships and 17 merchant vessels. Over the years, the facility has repaired more than 110 ships and trained over 1,200 engineers and technicians, demonstrating Nigeria’s growing maritime engineering expertise.
The Admiral Superintendent of the Dockyard, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, provided details of the extensive repairs. These included structural replacements on the hull, a full overhaul of the main engines and generators, and refurbishment of the rudder, anchor, and steering systems. Auxiliary systems such as firefighting, air conditioning, and sanitary systems were also fixed, bringing the vessel close to a near-new condition.
Benin’s Navy representative at the event, Capt. Hounkpatin Dossa, praised the Nigerian team’s technical skill and professionalism, thanking them for restoring BNS Couffo to peak operational condition.
Commander Wencetas Gbaguidi, who also spoke at the event, noted that the upgraded ship would strengthen Benin’s ability to address challenges like piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking. He added, “This ceremony marks more than just the relaunch of a vessel. It symbolizes our ongoing commitment to the operational readiness, efficiency, and regional cooperation that are central to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.”
The next set of three ships will be arriving soon for repairs as part of the second phase of the agreement, further deepening the partnership between both navies.
