Abuja, 30 August 2022 (TDI): Turkiye plans to provide maritime assistance to Nigeria through the construction of two High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV).
The agreement regarding the construction and delivery of vessels was signed between the governments of Nigeria and Turkiye earlier in October 2021.
—Ongoing construction of 2 Nos. 76m High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) by Dearsan Shipyard of Turkey.
—Other vessels awaiting delivery include 2 Nos. 38m Fast Patrol Craft and 40 Nos. 9m Fast Patrol Boats, scheduled for delivery by the end of 2022.
— Government of Nigeria (@NigeriaGov) August 29, 2022
The DEARSAN Shipyard of Turkiye will build two units of 76m High Endurance OPV for the Navy of Nigeria. The two OPVs will be installed with sensors and other attributes of modern technology.
OPV 76 is designed to operate anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, and counter-piracy operations. Furthermore, the ship is built with AH-36 steel and the superstructure is Sealium.
The width of the 11-meter ship has a displacement of 1200 tons. It can reach a top speed of 26 knots with a range of 3000 nautical miles with economical speed.
The Chief Executive officer of Dearsan, Murat Gordi, claimed that the project will further enhance relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Turkiye.
In addition, the government of Nigeria is awaiting for delivery of two 38m Fast Patrol Crafts and 40 units of Fast Patrol Boats, scheduled by the end of 2022.
Delivery of these vessels is part of fleet renewal efforts towards realizing the 2021-2030 Strategic Plan.
Nigeria and Turkiye bilateral relations
Turkiye’s defense and aerospace exports to Africa reached $460.6 million in 2021, compared to $82.981 million in 2020.
Diyanet, the Charity arm of Turkiye’s Presidency of Religious Affairs spent $150,660 on various humanitarian projects across Nigeria.
The foundation spent at least $20,170 on a food distribution program during Ramadan and benefitted 500 families.
During the event of Eid-ul-Adha, the Diyanat foundation spent $2,650 on the distribution of meat in Nigeria. Under the supervision of the Organization of Tadamunil Muslimeen, clean drinking water was also provided in October which costs $2500.
The governments of both states have also collaborated in the fields of trade and investment to foster diplomatic relations.
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