Handing over of BNS MBK

Handing over of Benin Navy Ship (BNS) MATELOT BRICE KPOMASSE at Naval Dockyard Limited which took place on Wednesday November 12, 2025 with its departure following on Thursday November 13, 2025 marking a significant milestone in the enduring partnership with the Republic of Benin Navy and celebrating the successful completion of the overall maintenance of BNS MBK getting it back to a state of operational readiness following months of technical upgrades, refits and collaborative efforts at the Yard. In attendance was the special guest of honor Chief of Naval staff Benin Navy Commodore Hounkpatin Dossa represented by the Director of Military Organization and Personnel, Captain Idrissou Mohnamed, the Chief host ASNDL Rear Admiral IE Shehu, Senior Officers of both the yard and Benin navy, officers and Clients whom were all duly welcomed by Lieutenant JR Atim-Ebim the MC of the event.
A welcome address was given by the ASNDL stating his joy in the completion of this project further strengthening the partnership between the Nigerian Navy and Benin Navy also building and nurturing strategic partnerships with other African Navies in line with the mission, Vision and strategic directives of the Chief of Naval staff Vice Admiral I Abbas (Admiralty medal).
Subsequently a detailed brief was given by the project coordinator Capt JO Orji stating the various refits, overhauls and restorations done on the BNS MBK to restore its operational integrity which were; Sand blasting, cropping and re-plating of hull, dye penetrant and magnetic particle testing, main deck cropping and re-plating, engine room interior restoration, overhaul of main engines and generators, overhaul of gearboxes, repairs of navigation and communication equipments, restoration and fitting of compartments and living spaces, installation of air conditioning system and overhaul of bridge console amongst others, also including sea trials.
Following the brief, the representative of the Benin Navy CNS took to the podium to express the Commodores joy and gratitude for the efforts of the yard in painstakingly and meticulously restoring the BNS MBK to operation glory. He commended the hard work and also shared his trust in the engineering capabilities and also the dedication of the yard to this project and the other 2 BNS currently being refitted at the yard.
Marking the end of the joyous occasion was an exchange of souvenirs, followed by group photographs after which all in attendance went ahead to feast in high spirits commemorating a successful handing Over.