Nigerian Navy refurbishes 21 vessels for Bayelsa State

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has refurbished 21 vessels belonging to the Bayelsa State Government, in a move aimed at improving water transportation and security across the state’s riverine communities.

According to a statement signed by the Acting Director of Information of the Nigerian Navy, Captain AA Folorunsho, the work was carried out by the Navy’s industrial arm, Naval Shipyard Limited, which undertook extensive repairs to restore the vessels to full operational capacity.

Naval engineers carried out engine replacements and overhauls, structural reinforcements and hull restoration, while also upgrading safety systems and recalibrating mechanical components. Thework, the statement said, was designed to ensure the vessels meet operational and maritime safety standards.

The restored fleet includes water ambulances, ferries, water buses, patrol and security boats as well as utility craft used for transportation and security operations across the state’s waterways. A yacht, pilot boat and cargo barge were also among the vessels refurbished.

Bayelsa State, located in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, depends heavily on water transport because of its network of creeks and rivers. The refurbishment of the vessels is expected to improve mobility, emergency medical response and government access to remote communities.

The Navy said the project reflects its growing technical capacity to maintain maritime assets locally and support maritime infrastructure, while also strengthening collaboration between themilitary and state governments.