NNS Unity (Photo : Nigerian Navy)
The "NNS Unity," an offshore patrol vessel built by China for the Nigerian Navy, has made its maiden sea voyage and is now en route to Nigeria.
It departed China Sept. 21 and is due to arrive in Nigeria in the first week of November.
Upon joining the Nigerian Navy, NNS Unity will strengthen the navy's campaign against maritime crimes in Nigeria's territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea. Areas that hitherto weren't covered by other Nigerian Navy ships can now be patrolled by NNS Unity.
The new ship will no doubt enhance the navy's effectiveness and responsiveness to the maritime security challenges within Nigeria's waters, said Chief of Policy and Plans Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani.
He conveyed the appreciation of the navy to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari for approving all steps taken towards the departure of NNS Unity.
NNS Unity will pay port calls on friendly nations en route to Nigeria. This will boost the existing cordial relationship with sister navies around the world and the Gulf of Guinea, in particular.
The handing over and departure ceremony in China was attended by Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy Isa Misau; Chairman, House of Representative Committee on the Navy, Abdulsamad Dasuki; Representative of the Honourable Minister of Defense, Rabi Tedman; the Consul General of Nigerian Mission in Shanghai and senior officers of the Nigerian Navy.
NNS Unity is a P18-class corvette, which is the export version of China's Type 056 corvette of the People's Liberation Army Navy. It's the first P18-class corvette delivered to Nigeria. Other P18s are being built for Bangladesh.
The Type 056 entered service in February 2013. It's suited for mid-range missions and littoral duties but not for major blue-water combat operations.
The Type 056 has crew of 78. It has a top speed of 46 km/h and a range of 6,500 km at 30 km/h.
