Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has vowed to squash illegalities within the country’s maritime domain.
Vice Admiral Ogalla reiterated the pledge at the end of a familiarization tour of formations and units within the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) headquarters in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
Ogalla, who was accompanied by top officials of the Nigerian Navy including Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the Eastern Naval Command, Read Admiral Olusola Oluwagbire, assured of the navy’s commitment to provide adequate security in the maritime environment for economic activities to thrive.
According to the Chief of Naval Staff, securing Nigeria’s national assets and creating a conducive investor friendly maritime environment would require the collaboration of the public and other stakeholders.
He said, “the eastern area is one of our strategic areas when you talk about the maritime domain. Securing the nation’s maritime environment is of topmost importance to us. However, we cannot do it alone; it is a collective responsibility for all of us. It requires team work. We are supposed to face the challenges head-on to ensure that we turn the tide against the criminals when it comes to illegalities in our maritime environment,” he emphasized.
Boosting personnel morale
The Chief of the Naval Staff took time out to inspect facilities such as the Navy Hotel and Suites, residential buildings for officers and ratings as well as renovation of units within the command headquarters.
Vice Admiral Ogalla noted that the welfare of its personnel was key to achieving success in the discharge of its constitutional role.
The CNS said, “the welfare of men and officers in this area is paramount to achieving our objective. That was why I had to commence my first operation visit from the eastern area; and this operational visit covers our operational readiness.
“This includes inspecting facilities that would enhance the welfare of our personnel and thereby boost their morale to positively impact our operational efficiency.
“We have gone round and we are going to fast-track the completion of some of these facilities meant to accommodate our officers and men,” assured the CNS.
Some of the facilities visited included the Rear Admiral E. I. Okon Navy War College Quarters, Navy Reference Hospital, Navy Hotels and Suites, the Akim Navy Quarters and the Nigerian Navy War College Administrative premises.
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