Oborevwori Commends Navy as Delta-Built SSV-KALI 3 Vessel Joins Service

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has commended the Nigerian Navy for its partnership with the private sector following the induction of SSV-KALI 3, a next-generation security support vessel built in Delta State.

The vessel was inducted into service on Tuesday at the Yade Barge, Niger River Bank Asemoku Jetty in Okpai, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State.

Represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori described the vessel’s induction as a significant milestone for Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), Delta State and Nigeria.

The governor said the vessel demonstrated the growing capacity of Nigerian businesses to design and construct sophisticated assets locally, describing its production as evidence of indigenous industrial capability and local-content development.

Oborevwori also praised the Nigerian Navy for its collaboration with SEEPCO, saying stronger partnerships between government, security agencies and private businesses were essential to protecting Nigeria’s maritime economy.

He said the SSV-KALI 3 would strengthen maritime security operations, particularly in the protection of oil and gas infrastructure and the fight against oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.

According to the governor, Delta’s waterways and oil-producing communities require sustained security to create an environment where legitimate economic activities can thrive.

He further said his administration would continue to support initiatives that encourage investment, create employment and develop the technical capacity of residents and businesses in the state.

Oborevwori urged those operating the vessel to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline and safety, describing SSV-KALI 3 as a symbol of what can be achieved through cooperation between indigenous companies and national security institutions.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, also highlighted the importance of the partnership between the Nigerian Navy and private-sector operators.

He said the Navy remained willing to work with credible partners to strengthen maritime security, protect Nigeria’s maritime interests and safeguard critical assets that contribute to the national economy.

A representative of SEEPCO management, Raj Bhargava, said the company’s vessels were being delivered in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to improve maritime safety and protect personnel involved in securing Nigeria’s waterways.

The induction adds to recent efforts to increase Nigeria’s maritime security capacity through greater use of locally developed and privately supported platforms.

For Delta State, the commissioning represents both a security boost and a showcase for local industrial capacity, with the governor stressing that locally built assets can contribute to protecting the country’s strategic economic infrastructure.