The Secretary to the government of the federation, Sen George Akume has commended the Nigerian Navy for providing security for the vast strategic resources in the nation’s maritime domain.
This is just as he said the Nigerian Navy has employed cutting edge technology to maritime surveillance and sustained presence in the maritime environment, thereby ensuring security of Nigerian waters as well as the entire Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking as the Special guest of honour at the 2023 Ceremonial Sunsetof the NN held at Naval Unit, Abuja, the SGF said, “This has led to increased daily crude oil production of Nigeria to about 1.5 million barrels per day as of November 2023.
“Noteworthy is that the efforts of the Nigerian Navy have further led to dilisting of Nigeria from the International Maritime Bureau piracy list that brings back Nigeria from watching maritime economic activities in Nigerian waters and improving revenue for the government.
“This has made the Nigerian Navy a critical contributor to the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy. Consequently, it is a worldwide investment to provide the necessary support for the Navy and increased funding in order to guarantee economic prosperity and national development, as well as reposition Nigeria’s slow economy and overall wealthy of our people.
“On this note, I must commend, in the fatigable efforts of officers and men of the Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechuku Ogalla, and ensuring significant reduction in sea rubbery, crude oil theft and other illicit activities within the nation’s maritime domain.
He said that the Federal Government, under the astute leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working seriously to ensure tackling operational challenges regarding platforms, surveillance equipment and logistics, among others, adequately addressed towards enhancing your professional performance.
“This determination is underpinned by the government’s recognition that effective maritime security translates into National Development and shall also collaborate with the legislature to make the Navy, and indeed all security forces become more effective through their constitutional mandates.
In his address, the CNS, Vice Admiral Ogalla said Ceremonial Sunset is an age-long tradition of navies worldwide to mark the end of activities over a period of time.
.”As a Navy family, it also affords us the opportunity to celebrate the resilience, commitment and unwavering dedication of our esteemed naval force. Tonight, as we have witnessed the sun set on another year, let us take a moment to reflect on the achievements and milestones we have collectively reached.
“This past year has been a period of significant progress and accomplishment for the Nigerian Navy.” he said adding, “When I assumed the mantle as the Chief of the Naval Staff, I laid out clear vision and mission statements as well as my command philosophy.
“Central to these was the need to maintain a navy that is professional, capable, and responsive to the demands of our maritime environment. One of our primary objectives has been to ensure that our fleet is equipped and prepared to meet the evolving maritime security landscape.
“This year, we have made significant progress in fleet renewal efforts, with the acquisition of new vessels and the ongoing modernization of existing platforms. We have also continued to invest in maritime domain awareness.
“Through technological advancements and improved intelligence gathering, we have gained a deeper understanding of the activities within our waters. Furthermore, we have continued to contribute manpower and resources to ongoing land-based operations in the North East, North West, North Central and other security hotspots in the country. This has significantly contributed to the improved security situation in the country.”
“Our commitment to operational excellence has been evident in the successful execution of major exercises throughout the year. Some of these exercises include GRAND NEMO AFRICA, OBANGAME EXPRESS 2023, CROCODILE LIFT and SAFE DOMAIN, which saw us collaborate with international and regional partners to combat piracy and other forms of maritime crimes thereby enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Domestically, the Nigerian Navy has taken a firm stance against all forms of maritime crimes, especially the twin evils of crude oil theft and piracy. A number of vessels and individuals involved in crude oil theft have been apprehended through the various Maritime Security Operations conducted by the Nigerian Navy.”
“As a testament of our commitment to operational readiness, we recently conducted a comprehensive end-of-year sea inspection involving 13 ships and 2 helicopters as well as a detachment of the Special Boat Service (SBS).
“This exercise code-named Exercise NCHEKWA OSHIMIRI, provided a valuable opportunity to assess our combat capabilities and preparedness to face any potential threats.
“During the 4-day exercise, various naval drills and evolutions were carried out at sea. Some of these include anti-piracy, anti-crude oil theft and anti-Illegal Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) operations.
“Others are Replenishment at Sea (RAS), Gunnery Exercise (GUNNEX), Communication Exercise (COMMEX), fleet manoeuvre among others. Distinguished invited guests, this assemblage of ships is adjudged the highest in recent Nigerian Navy history.”
“Beyond operational matters, we have also prioritized the well-being of our personnel. Within my first 100 days in office, I initiated key policy thrusts and welfare projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life of our personnel. Additionally, we have implemented various welfare packages as palliatives to cushion the effects of the current economic realities.
“A significant highpoint in our activities this year was the successful execution of our civil-military cooperation initiatives. These initiatives, particularly the medical rhapsody conducted across all naval bases, have had profound impact on the lives of countless Nigerians.”
