Nigeria’s Naval Dockyard completes third refit for Benin Navy ship

By Evelyn Usman

The Republic of Benin Navy has formally taken delivery of its deep-sea patrol vessel, Matelot Brice Kpomassé (BNS MBK), after a 20-month refit at the Nigerian Naval Dockyard Limited , NDL in Victoria Island, Lagos, with a view to boosting regional maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The patrol vessel which was built in China and commissioned into the Republic of Benin Navy in 2013, was reportedly towed to the NDL for its maiden docking and refit , after two decades.
In his welcome address at the handover ceremony, yesterday, at the NDL, Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu,recalled that the Republic of Benin Navy and the Dockyard had signed an agreement for the refit of six Beninese ships following a series of visits, surveys, and assessments.
He said : “This is the third time that Naval Dockyard Limited has docked an international navy ship, thereby adding to her credentials as a strategic force multiplier in Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem”.
He explained that the repairs were carried out in two phases, with Phase One comprising BNS Pendjari, BNS Couffo, and BNS MBK.
“Repairs on BNS Pendjari and BNS Couffo have been completed and the vessels have returned to the fleet, while work on BNS MBK has just been completed and the vessel is ready for handover. Repair work is currently ongoing on BNS Oueme and Zou,” he added.
He also detailed that the Dockyard carried out extensive repairs, including cropping and replating sections of the hull, modifying stanchions to collapsible fittings, reconstructing degraded deck vents, overhauling engines, generators, and gearboxes, replacing the anchor windlass, and refurbishing steering and propulsion control systems.
Rear Admiral Shehu emphasised that the project was more than a technical achievement, noting that it strengthened regional security architecture within the Gulf of Guinea. He expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for his leadership and support, highlighting that the milestone reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral maritime ties.
On his part, the Beninese Chief of Naval Staff, Commodore Dossa Hounkpatin, represented by the Director of Military Organisation and Personnel, Captain Mohamed Idrissou, who appreciated Chiefs of naval staff of both countries ,described the handover as a proof of the technical prowess of the Nigerian Naval Dockyard. “It establishes an exemplary model of effective South-South cooperation between Nigeria and Benin in ship maintenance, a partnership that has already produced tangible and convincing results,” he said.
He added: “Since the beginning of this partnership, the P798 Matelot Brice Kpomassé is the third vessel of the Beninese Navy to benefit from the services of the Nigerian Naval Dockyard, which is a source of hope and satisfaction for the military navies and commercial maritime forces of our subregion.”
Addressing the crew, Captain Idrissou urged professionalism and discipline, reminding them that the ship was theirs to serve Benin with loyalty. “I have no doubt about your determination to set sail again with this vessel and contribute to protecting our interests at sea. I wish fair winds and smooth sailing to you, and see you at Cotonou, where your return is eagerly awaited, given the immensity of the task the Beninese Navy faces today,” he said.

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