Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has urged navy personnel to proffer creative solutions to security threats within the Eastern Naval Command area of operations.
Vice Admiral Abbas gave the charge during interactive sessions with navy personnel at the end of a two-day familiarisation visit to formations and units within the Eastern Naval Command.
Abbas, who addressed officers and ratings in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria, reiterated his commitment to personnel welfare, sustainable infrastructure development, and professionalism.
He stated, “personnel welfare remains a central priority for my leadership. To this end, deliberate, structured and sustainable measures are being implemented to close identified welfare gaps, improve living conditions, and reinforce support systems in all units, ships and establishment.
“I assure you of the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to take appropriate measures to address the issues raised. However, I urge you to proffer solutions; there is need for innovative thinking to tackle these challenges.
“As officers, you must think outside the box in tackling emerging security challenges within our maritime domain”, he stressed.
Sustain Professionalism
The Chief of Naval Staff commended the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, and other top officers and ratings for maintaining sterling professional conduct within the area of operation.
He underscored the importance of professionalism, discipline, and integrity as the foundational pillars of his Command Philosophy, urging personnel to “uphold these values consistently as they remain indispensable to operational efficiency, service reputation, and mission success.”
Projects Tour
The CNS, who is on his maiden tour to the command, visited the 150-bed Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Calabar, to assess service delivery capacity, operational challenges, and infrastructure upgrades.
Vice Admiral Abbas also inspected blocks of flats designated as the Naval War College quarters, Calabar, promising appropriate interventions in line with the commitment to enhanced personnel welfare and operational readiness.
He was also at the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State, where he acknowledged the achievements and challenges of the base and assured prompt measures to strengthen its operations.
He further inspected ongoing projects, including the Nigerian Navy Hotel and Suites, the Nigerian Navy Barracks Akim, the 1006 Navy Barracks, the permanent site of the Naval War College Nigeria, as well as the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, the Eastern Fleet, and the jetty.
The highlight of the visit was the commissioning of two newly constructed 12-by-1 Junior Rates Permanent Accommodation blocks at the Nigerian Navy Barracks in Atimbo, Cross River State’s southern district.
Deepening Partnership
Meanwhile, the governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and deepening strategic partnership with the Nigerian Navy.
Governor Otu gave the assurance when he played host to the 25th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at his office in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.
Governor Otu said that due to the location of Cross River State along Nigeria’s maritime domain, the collaboration would enhance the protection of lives, investments, and national assets.
Also speaking, Vice Admiral Abbas informed the governor that the navy was on the verge of infrastructural expansion within the Eastern Naval Command in response to emerging security concerns.
He urged Governor Otu to support the navy by providing shoreline protection around identified coastal erosion sites near naval jetties and waterfront facilities.