By Abasi Ita
The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, has said the Nigerian Navy will intensify its operations to ensure sustained growth in the country’s oil production and the security of maritime resources.
Abbas made the disclosure on Wednesday during an inspection and operational tour of naval facilities in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
Speaking to journalists after commissioning projects at the Atimbo Barracks, including two newly completed junior rates permanent accommodation blocks, the naval chief said the visit was designed to combine operational assessment with inspection of ongoing projects and personnel welfare.
He explained that the tour also included visits to naval formations at IBB Barracks, 1006 Barracks and other facilities within the command.
According to him, the inspection provided an opportunity for on the spot evaluation of naval operations, infrastructure development and the welfare conditions of officers and ratings.
Abbas said the welfare of naval personnel remains a priority, noting that well motivated and adequately supported personnel are critical to effective maritime security.
He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Eastern Naval Command, saying preliminary briefings and on ground assessments showed that the command was living up to its mandate of securing the maritime environment.
The Chief of Naval Staff assured that the Navy would sustain and scale up its patrols and surveillance activities across Nigeria’s waterways to curb illegal activities and protect critical national assets.
He stressed that enhanced maritime patrols would directly support increased oil production by ensuring a safer operating environment for oil and gas installations.
During the visit, Abbas also inspected the ongoing Navy Hotel and Suites project and paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command, where he held meetings with senior naval officers, commanders, officers and ratings.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and supporting national economic growth through improved security operations.