In 1965, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in a bid to acquire and exercise sea power, embarked on a strategic investment by acquiring the Elder Dempster Lines Shipyard, which was transferred to the Nigerian Navy. As ship repairs and ship building facilities throughout naval history have been sources for creation and sustenance of naval capabilities as required for operations (Commercial and Military), modifications were carried out on the workshops and slipways to suit the needs of the Nigerian Navy. It was commissioned in 1969 as the Nigerian Naval Dockyard (NAVDOC).
However, its capabilities were still limited to 200-ton craft while the bigger vessels were sent abroad for major and minor refits at exorbitant costs in hard currency. The need to look inwards consequently led to the commissioning of a firm of Nigerian Consultant Engineers, Messr Adejumo, Ogunsola and Partners (AOP) in 1973, to carry out feasibility studies on the development of NAVDOCK.
In August 1990, the new facilities at the NAVDOCK were partially commissioned to handle up to 10,000-ton vessels. In addition, a set of twin docks each capable of handling up to 250-tons vessels was commissioned much later in 1997. In May 2013, The Naval Dockyard was re-branded as Naval Dockyard Limited on incorporation as a Limited Liability Company. This bold step was meant to reposition the Yard as a strategic player in the oil and gas, shipping, offshore construction and maritime sectors of the Nigerian economy. It has operated as a Limited Liability Company, paying tax to the government while contributing its quota to technological development in the Maritime Sector. The Dockyard continues to leverage on its array of highly advanced equipment, skilled manpower and technological prowess in Shipbuilding and repairs.
Over the years, the Yard has built several naval vessels, tugboats and barges that have been employed in the Nigerian Navy, maritime as well as oil and gas sector.
