By Nkechi Eze
The Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the operational capacity of the Nigerian Navy through improved support, readiness, and stronger civil-military collaboration.
This was made known on March 17, 2026, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, during a familiarization visit to the Naval Headquarters, where he commended the leadership and personnel of the Navy for their professionalism, dedication, and critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Pheelangwah said the visit was aimed at deepening strategic alignment between the Ministry and the Navy, as well as gaining firsthand insight into the Service’s operational priorities, challenges, and ongoing initiatives. He emphasized the importance of civil-military synergy, noting that effective collaboration between the Ministry and the Armed Forces is vital for achieving sustainable national security objectives.
The Permanent Secretary assured that the Ministry would support the Navy in key areas including force readiness, budgetary compliance, and improved welfare for officers and personnel. He highlighted the prioritization of human capital development and welfare as central to enhancing operational efficiency and morale, while also stressing the need to strengthen Nigeria’s defence industrial base to promote local content and indigenous capacity.
Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Staff, praised the Ministry’s leadership for the cordial working relationship with the Services. He outlined critical areas requiring support, including equipment procurement, improved procurement processes, infrastructure development such as adequate accommodation for personnel, recruitment of additional medical staff, and funding for completion of ongoing projects initiated by his predecessor.
Present at the visit were directors from the Ministry and principal staff officers of the Naval Headquarters. Both the Ministry and Navy leadership expressed optimism that sustained support and collaboration will enable the Nigerian Navy to continue safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment and critical assets.
