Defence Minister, Major General Bashir Magashi (rdt) on Friday, December 2, 2022 warned ,military personnel that will be deployed for the 2023 general elections for distribution of INEC’s sensitive materials to ensure they conduct the duty professionally and in accordance with Standard Operating Procedure.
This is nust as the minister commended the Nigerian Navy for its achievements in the fight aganst maritime crime and economic sabotage, “particularly in the fight against crude oil theft, which has led to an increase in the nation’s oil production in November 2022 as reported by Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation Limited and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries”.
Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of the Nigerian Navy Headquarters Extension in Abuja, the minister further directed military personnel to remain apolitical and desist from behaviors that could bring disrepute to the Armed Forces of our dear nation.
His words, “Let me reiterate that as the Armed Force would be engaged with various support and assistance in the forthcoming general elections, particularly with distribution of classified materials and other logistics, these must be done professionally and in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures”.
“Also commendable is the Nigerian Navy’s unrelenting efforts in collaborating with neighboring countries for the successful transfer of MT Heroic Idunon 12 November 2022 from Equatorial Guinea, which earlier resisted arrest from a Nigerian Navy Ship on 8 August 2022.
“Furthermore, contributions of the Nigerian Navy towards fight against insurgency in parts of the country are equally appreciated.
“I therefore, urge the Nigerian Navy to sustain these achievements in support of national security for economic prosperity of our nation.
On the Naval Headquarters Extension Complex, Magashi said, “the provision of a befitting office complex to enhance productivity and coordination of activities in the field remains a priority in the Armed Forces of Nigeria especially with the significant contributions of officers and men in various theatre of operations in the country as well as the maritime domain.
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“I must therefore acknowledge that this Commissioning Ceremony further avails me another opportunity to reaffirm confidence in the competence, commitment and achievements of the Nigerian Navy.
While congratulating the Chief of the Naval Staff for the laudable project, the minister expressed optimism that the new complex will reduce challenges of office space currently experienced at the headquarters
He urged officers and Ratings to take “absolute ownership of the building as well as inculcate positive maintenance culture so that this huge legacy project will serve future generations of personnel of the Nigerian Navy”.
In his remarks, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo said the Naval Headquarters Extension Complex is another significant milestone amongst the very many initiatives articulated to facilitate effective discharge of the Nigerian Navy’s constitutional mandate.
Noting that the project was conceptualized and construction commenced in January 2019 by his predecessor, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd), the CNS said, “The project was sustained and completed upon my assumption of office and here we are today to commission the edifice with equipped offices, a gymnasium and auditorium amongst other facilities”
He continued, ”The nexus between conducive work environment and productivity cannot be over emphasized. It is an established fact that a conducive work environment, which is comfortable and aesthetic to the employee encourages concentration, foster engagement as well as enhances physical and mental well-being, which are critical to the success of any organization.
“Am glad to state that these were some considerations that motivated construction of this ultra-modern edifice towards enhanced productivity at the Naval Headquarters” adding, “Certainly, commissioning of this structure will further ameliorate dearth of office space currently experienced as a result of the exponential expansion in the Service.
“This and other achievements could not have been actualized without the support from the Federal Government. It therefore gives me a great honour to express my deepest gratitude to the President Muhammadu Buhari for his unquantifiable support to the Nigerian Navy.
The CNS also expressed gratitude to Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), the Minister of Defence for his visionary leadership and guidance, the Chirf of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, other Service Chiefs and the National Assembly for their individual and collective support.
