Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has donated gunboats to the Nigerian Navy with the aim of securing oil installations and tackling sea piracy to safeguard the waterways.

The Governor tasked the navy to effectively deploy the gunboats provided by his administration, saying that securing the steady growth of the national economy, largely dependent on crude oil production and sales, demands sustained support for security agencies to enable them to win the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalization.

Governor Fubara stated this shortly before handing over six security surveillance 400-horse-powered gunboats and three separate units of bungalows for Senior Officers’ Quarters and rating Bofor’s accommodation donated by his administration to the Nigerian Navy on Friday.

The event, which took place at the NNS Pathfinder, Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, had the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, on hand to receive the donation from the Rivers State Government.

He stressed the importance of the Nigerian Navy utilizing the gunboats to enhance their capacity to intensify surveillance of the maritime domain and make it difficult for criminals to operate.

Fubara said: “As we gather here this afternoon, I want to assure you that this government will continue to support the Nigerian Navy. I am a member of the Committee on Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalisation in the Governors’ Forum, and one of the problems we are facing is how to curb this crime.

“I am starting with donating these gunboats to show that I am committed to that cause. I am also happy, honestly, and really humbled that the Chief of Naval Staff has decided to stand with us to appreciate the little things that we are doing for the Nigerian Navy.”

Fubara clarified that what has been done is not special or different from what is expected of the government to ensure a safe environment for its citizens.

He explained that it is the responsibility of any government to support, provide for, and protect the lives and property of the people, which can be achieved in part through complementary efforts.

Fubara added: “We are saddled with a very difficult problem that we are all battling to save our heads from, which is the issue of pipeline vandalization and oil theft. This is a big problem in the Niger Delta.

“The little thing I can do is to promote and support the efforts of the Nigerian Navy. Yesterday night, a pressman asked me how we motivate the Nigerian Navy, and I said, the event we attended, the Sunset Dinner and Award Night, is a way to tell the Nigerian Navy that we appreciate what you are doing, and we want to encourage you to do more.

“On our part as a government, we are donating these six security surveillance gunboats to the Nigerian Navy so that they will perform better in protecting our waterways.”

Governor Fubara expressed regret over the incidence of kidnapping and piracy activities on the Bonny and Kalabari waterways, adding that these issues need to be adequately addressed. He stated that with the gunboats, the Nigerian Navy should now be able to manage those waterways and make sea routes safer for travellers and those earning their livelihood at sea.

He continued: “When the government lives up to its responsibility by providing the necessary amenities and equipment—not limited to only the boats but also other logistics—we are also providing these to the Nigerian Navy to ensure effective performance.

“This afternoon, we are complementing the efforts of Mr. President, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Commander of the NNS Pathfinder,” he added.

Performing the inauguration, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, noted that the donation of the gunboats attests to the existing partnership between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Navy.

He remarked that the gesture demonstrates Fubara’s unwavering support toward strengthening the Nigerian Navy by providing critical assets and infrastructure for a stable presence on the waterways.

Ogalla said: “It is with a deep sense of appreciation that I stand here before you to commission these six Abitto gunboats donated by the Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Navy, particularly to NNS Pathfinder, for the provision of security in our waterways, not only in Rivers State but the Niger Delta as a whole.

“These gunboats are exactly the kind of equipment we require to penetrate the creeks and carry out our policing functions effectively.”

He also expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for the donation of three bungalows for Senior Officers’ Quarters and rating Bofor’s accommodation, which will further motivate officers.

Speaking at the event, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, explained that the gunboats and housing facilities provided to the Nigerian Navy represent part of the broader support Governor Fubara has extended to security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property.

In his remarks, Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, stated that the donations are a testament to Governor Fubara’s generosity and unwavering support for the Nigerian Navy. He stressed that the gunboats, in particular, will greatly enhance the operational capability of officers, ensuring peace and promoting maritime safety.

Representing the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Abitto Global Services, the builders of the gunboats, General Manager Irene Lenu Nwidobie expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for trusting the company to build critical equipment well-suited to the challenging terrain of Rivers State.