By Miriam Humbe
The Nigerian Navy has strengthened its maritime security capability with the induction of Security Support Vessel (SSV) KALI 3 at Asemoku Jetty, Delta State, on 18 August 2026, to enhance the protection of critical energy infrastructure and Nigeria’s maritime interests.
Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the
Director Naval Information disclosed this in a statement signed on Tuesday.
The induction ceremony was presided over by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, in the presence of the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, represented by the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief (Sir) Monday John Onyeme, FCA, alongside senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, maritime stakeholders and representatives of the private sector._
SSV KALI 3 is the first of 10 Security Support Vessels being provided by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) under a Memorandum of Agreement with the Nigerian Navy.
The initiative reflects a strategic public-private partnership aimed at translating private-sector investment into tangible maritime security capability.
Notably, KALI 3 was designed and built in Nigeria at the Okpai HM Shipyard in Delta State, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, highlighting the growing contribution of indigenous ship building capacity to national security and economic development.
Chief of the Naval Staff emphasised that the protection of Nigeria’s maritime environment and critical energy assets is essential to sustaining economic activity, particularly the oil and gas sector.
He commended SEEPCO for its commitment to the initiative and urged other responsible maritime stakeholders to support partnerships that advance national security.
The vessel is designed to support coastal and offshore security, interdiction, anti-piracy operations, maritime law enforcement and escort duties, with capabilities suited to Nigeria’s complex coastal and shallow-water environment.
The CNS charged the personnel assigned to operate KALI 3 to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, integrity and operational readiness, while reaffirming the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that enhance maritime security.
The induction of KALI 3, as the first of the 10-vessel arrangement, represents a practical convergence of maritime security, indigenous shipbuilding and private-sector investment in support of Nigeria’s strategic economic interests.
