By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to personnel welfare, infrastructure development and institutional growth with the commissioning of several projects in the Lagos area as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy Week and the Service’s 70th Anniversary.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Vice Admiral Abbas said the projects, which include the Dolphin Golf Club House, a block of 48 one-room accommodation units for junior ratings and newly completed 16 units of two-bedroom flats within Navy Town, reflect the Navy’s steady transformation into a modern maritime force after seven decades of dedicated service to the nation.
The Chief of the Naval Staff stated that the projects also demonstrate the Navy’s resolve to improve personnel welfare, strengthen support infrastructure and create a conducive environment for personnel and their families.
Vice Admiral Abbas noted that the commissioning was particularly significant because it highlighted the Service’s determination to complete abandoned projects across formations and commands.
He disclosed that the 48-room accommodation block had remained abandoned for over five years before the present administration revived and completed the project for the benefit of personnel.
According to the Naval Chief, the Nigerian Navy would continue to prioritise the completion of viable abandoned projects to ensure that officers, ratings and civilian staff fully benefit from investments made on their behalf.
He assured personnel that more abandoned projects would be completed and commissioned across the Nigerian Navy as part of the Service’s deliberate infrastructure renewal policy.
Speaking on the Dolphin Golf Club House, Vice Admiral Abbas described the facility as an important investment in the social and recreational infrastructure of the Navy.
He explained that beyond serving as a sporting facility, the clubhouse would promote professional interaction, strengthen friendship among personnel and veterans, and enhance engagement with partners and members of the wider naval community.
The Naval Chief stressed that infrastructure development must go beyond project completion, noting that the true value of any facility lies in proper utilisation, preservation and maintenance.
He therefore urged beneficiaries and custodians of the facilities to imbibe a strong maintenance culture and ensure that all accommodation blocks, recreational centres and supporting infrastructure are maintained to the highest standards.
Vice Admiral Abbas also advised personnel to adopt prudent electricity consumption habits and avoid wasteful use of energy resources.
The Chief of the Naval Staff expressed profound appreciation to President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continuous support towards the growth and modernisation of the Nigerian Navy.
He also commended the project implementation teams, contractors, engineers and workers whose dedication and professionalism ensured the successful completion of the projects.
Vice Admiral Abbas expressed confidence that the newly commissioned facilities would contribute significantly to institutional development and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy in the years ahead.
