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The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Nigerian Navy, Vice Admiral Awwul Zubairu Gambo has re-emphasized the importance of patrol saying that the sustained aggressive patrol within the maritime domain significantly reduced piracy and other maritime crimes which culminated to the delisting of Nigeria from the International Maritime Bureau list of piracy prone countries in March last year.
Making his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour during the commissioning of several projects undertaking by the Nigerian Navy across three Commands in Lagos on Monday, he noted that the positive impact led to lifting of War Risk Premium tag on Nigeria that reduced high insurance premium for ships in Nigerian-controlled waters to about 960 United States Dollars as against 5,000 United States Dollars, per shipment.
He called on personnel of the force to redouble efforts and maintain positive postures toward sustained intelligence driven patrols to rid our maritime space of all forms of insecurity.
The CNS noted that speculations are rife that some Gulf of Guinea countries are again being considered to be tagged with the War Risk Premium due to recent developments within the Gulf of Guinea region and must do everything possible not to manifest.
“The successful arraignment and conviction of Motor Tanker HEROIC IDUN and her crew arrested last August, sentenced after a plea bargain to pay N5m as penalty for the charge and $15m as restitution to the country are resilient indication that the Nigerian Navy would stop at nothing to ensure the domain is safer for sustainable development of the nation’s Blue Economy.
Modest projects commissioned in Lagos, included a girl’s hostel at the Nigerian Navy Secondary School Ojo, two blocks of 16 by 2 bedroom for senior rates, a block of 8 by 3 bedroom for officers at Navy Town Ojo, 24 by one Under Training Rating’s Accommodation as well as renovated diving wing at the Under Water Warfare School.
Other projects include an Administrative Block at Tongeji Island, remodelled armoury and main gate at Nigerian Navy Ship QUORRA, as well as the reconstruction and remodeling of Officer’s Long and Sub Technical Course Block with befitting amenities.
Also commissioned were shoreline revetment at Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, three office blocks for the Naval Doctrine Command and a 250 meters runway at Naval Air Base Ojo with in-built lights and non-directional beacons to aid training and operations in restricted visibility as well as to complement the existing 100 meters runway.
These infrastructural developments, Admiral Gambo explained are in addition to already commissioned as well as ongoing projects like the reconstruction of the Base Flat Officers Accommodation in Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT as well as about 2,500 meters perimeter fence of Forward Operating Base Takwa Bay.
Admiral Gambo reiterated that the commissioning of the projects lays credence to the importance the Nigerian Navy places on essential infrastructure and facilities within bases and barracks which bolster security, productivity and efficiency of officers and men.
Based on these premise, the Naval Headquarters has continued to prioritize infrastructural development in the hierarchy of its preferences as these structures would further ameliorate deficiencies experienced at the respective units and bases.
While commending various senior officers that facilitated, supervised the projects to become a reality, he urged all the occupants and users to take absolute ownership by imbibing positive maintenance culture so that these legacy projects would serve future generations of personnel.
The CNS disclosed that preparations for the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review have reached its climax; an event met to honour Mr President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
Adding that the President has sustained tremendous support for the Nigerian Navy towards actualization of the navy’s mandate, hence a befitting Presidential Fleet Review is imperative as the administration draws the curtain.
Photo Caption:
CNS commissioning Senior Rates Quarters, flanked by Rear Admiral Akinga Ayafa and Rear Admiral Adesope
