By Dianabasi Effiong
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, has restated the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to safeguard the country’s territorial waters and critical national asset.
Abbas stated this during the inauguration of key infrastructure projects at Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.
Represented by Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Abbas said the Nigerian Navy had continually played a significant role in combating maritime crimes and ensuring security within the Gulf of Guinea through various operations and security initiatives.
“We are to get a more efficient, more optimise Nigerian Navy to ensure that the maritime security is improved in Nigeria and economic prosperity.
“The Nigerian Navy is currently celebrating 70 years of dedicated service, sacrifice, and commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and protecting critical national assets,” Abbas said.
The projects inaugurated were a newly constructed 2 by 2 Senior Rating Accommodation, remodelled NNS Jubilee Galley, and NNS Jubilee Ship’s bell.
Abbas said the key infrastructure projects at NNS Jubilee was aimed at improving the living and working conditions of personnel.
The CNS also said that the projects were part of activities lined up to commemorate the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Nigerian Navy.
Abbas said the projects also formed part of ongoing efforts by the Naval Headquarters to improve welfare standards across units and formations.
The CNS said the personnel welfare remained a top priority of his administration, adding that adequate accommodation and conducive working environments were essential factors in maintaining high morale, discipline, and operational readiness among officers and ratings.
He said that the inauguration of the accommodation facility and other remodelled projects at NNS Jubilee would help to reduce accommodation challenges within the Base while enhancing the comfort and efficiency of personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He emphasised that improved welfare directly translated to increased motivation and operational effectiveness.
The event also featured the cutting of the commissioning ribbon and the unveiling of the project plaques by the representative of the CNS, Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, signifying the formal inauguration of the projects for use by personnel of NNS JUBILEE
Abbas commended the Commander NNS Jubilee, Commodore Mohammed Manga, and personnel for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment towards ensuring the successful execution of the projects.
He urged personnel to make proper use of the facilities and maintain them responsibly.
The event ended with the inspection of facilities, signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs with senior officers and personnel of the Base.