The Nigerian Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island has completed the repair and relaunch of BNS Couffo, a naval warship belonging to the Republic of Benin, marking a step forward in maritime cooperation between both countries.

The relaunch ceremony was attended by representatives from both navies. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, was represented by Rear Admiral Baratuaipri Iyalla, Chief of Naval Engineering. He said the refit of BNS Couffo would significantly boost the vessel’s operational effectiveness, allowing it to better handle patrols, surveillance, and search and rescue missions.

“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,” Ogalla stated. He also noted that the facility had repaired more than 110 Nigerian Navy and merchant vessels over the past two decades and trained over 1,200 engineers and technicians.

“In 2024 alone, the Yard docked 10 Navy vessels and 17 merchant ships,” he said, describing the Dockyard’s output as part of a broader effort to strengthen indigenous shipbuilding and maintenance capabilities and support marine engineering research and development. “We as Nigerians and Africans stand tall with pride as we have successfully achieved yet another feat that would promote maritime security, safety and trade.”

The repair of BNS Couffo follows a 2023 agreement between the Benin Navy and the Naval Dockyard Limited for maintenance work on six of Benin’s warships. The first phase covers BNS Pendjari, BNS Couffo, and BNS MBK. With repairs on Pendjari and Couffo completed, MBK is nearing completion, according to the Admiral Superintendent of the Dockyard, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu.

Shehu said that major works on BNS Couffo included hull replating, deck and stanchion repairs, engine and gearbox overhauls, and upgrades to navigation, firefighting, and propulsion systems. “These repairs have restored the vessel to almost new status that would ensure that she operates effectively in fulfilling operational requirements and tasking,” he said.

Representing the Benin Navy, Capt. Hounkpatin Dossa expressed appreciation for the work done by the Nigerian team. He said the repairs had restored the vessel’s full operational capacity. Commander Wencetas Gbaguidi, who also spoke on behalf of the Republic of Benin, highlighted the strategic importance of the refurbishment.

“The extensive work carried out on BNS Couffo would enhance the vessel’s patrol and surveillance capabilities and enable the Benin Navy to effectively combat piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, and other transnational maritime threats,” Gbaguidi stated.

He announced that three additional warships would soon be brought to the Dockyard for the second phase of the repair agreement.

“This ceremony marks more than just the relaunch of a vessel. It symbolises our ongoing commitment to the operational readiness, efficiency, and regional cooperation that are central to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea,” Gbaguidi said. “Our navies must continue to share expertise, build capacity, and support each other in safeguarding our shared maritime domain.”

He also addressed the crew, saying: “Your ship is back, renewed, strengthened, and ready to serve. It is now your responsibility to maintain her integrity, operate her safely, and uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism.”