The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Navy through enhanced institutional support, improved readiness, and deeper civil-military collaboration.
The assurance was given during a familiarisation visit to Naval Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mr. Pheelangwah said the visit was aimed at aligning the Ministry’s strategic direction with the operational priorities of the Nigerian Navy, as well as gaining firsthand insight into the Service’s ongoing initiatives and challenges.
He commended the leadership and personnel of the Nigerian Navy for their professionalism and role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, noting that strengthened collaboration between the Ministry and the Armed Forces remains critical to achieving sustainable national security objectives.
He assured them that the Ministry would continue to provide support in key areas, including force readiness, budgetary compliance, and personnel welfare.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised that human capital development and improved welfare remain central to enhancing operational efficiency and morale within the Service. He added that strengthening Nigeria’s defence industrial base through local content development and strategic partnerships would boost indigenous capacity and contribute to national economic growth.
Mr. Pheelangwah further reiterated the need to address operational and administrative challenges confronting the Nigerian Navy through a unified national defence approach, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration would enhance the Service’s ability to secure Nigeria’s maritime environment and protect critical national assets.
Responding, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the Ministry of Defence for what he described as a cordial working relationship with the Armed Forces.
He outlined key areas requiring support, including equipment procurement, improved procurement processes, infrastructure expansion, particularly accommodation for personnel, as well as increased staffing in medical services and funding for the completion of ongoing projects.
Vice Admiral Abbas gave assurance of the Nigerian Navy’s continued cooperation with the Ministry in advancing national security objectives, while seeking sustained support to strengthen operational effectiveness and personnel welfare.
Directors from the Ministry of Defence and Principal Staff Officers from Naval Headquarters were present during the engagement.
