The Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas has assured that appropriate interventions would be initiated to address the identified issues relating to naval operations in line with his commitment to enhance personnel welfare and improving overall operational readiness.
Admiral Abbas has emphasised professionalism, discipline and integrity as the key pillars of his Command Philosophy, urging personnel to consistently uphold these values, which he said are critical to operational efficiency, institutional reputation and mission success.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS),spoke during his operational tour of ships, units and establishments under the Eastern Naval Command, with a series of engagements in Calabar aimed at assessing operational readiness, personnel welfare and infrastructural needs.
The Naval Chief visited the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Calabar, where he was received by the Commander of the hospital, Captain VC Igboezue. During a guided tour of the facility, Vice Admiral Abbas assessed the hospital’s medical capabilities, service delivery capacity, operational challenges and ongoing infrastructural upgrades, as part of efforts to ensure quality healthcare for naval personnel and their families.
He later held an interactive session with officers and ratings of the Eastern Naval Command at the Nigerian Navy Primary School Hall, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
READ ALSO: West African Navies Strengthen Maritime Security at Grand African Nemo 2025
In his address, Vice Admiral Abbas reaffirmed that personnel welfare remains a core priority of his leadership, stressing that deliberate, structured and sustainable measures are being implemented to address identified welfare gaps, improve living conditions and strengthen support systems across all ships, units and establishments of the Nigerian Navy.
He commended the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Donald Okehie, alongside officers and ratings of the Command, expressing satisfaction with their professionalism and conduct. The CNS noted that there were no adverse reports from the Command, describing this as a reflection of discipline and dedication to duty.
Vice Admiral Abbas further emphasised professionalism, discipline and integrity as the key pillars of his Command Philosophy, urging personnel to consistently uphold these values, which he said are critical to operational efficiency, institutional reputation and mission success.
The CNS also inspected accommodation facilities at the Naval War College Quarters, Summit Hill, Calabar, where he was briefed by the Commandant, Naval War College Nigeria, Rear Admiral MA Muye, on existing logistical and structural challenges.
Thereafter, Vice Admiral Abbas proceeded to Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA, where he was received by the Commanding Officer, Commodore AG Abdullahi. The Commanding Officer briefed the CNS on the peculiar challenges facing the Base as well as recent operational achievements. The CNS commended the Base for its notable successes and assured that the highlighted challenges would be addressed promptly to further strengthen maritime security operations within the area of responsibility.
The visit underscored the Nigerian Navy’s sustained focus on operational effectiveness, personnel welfare and the consolidation of maritime security in Nigeria’s eastern maritime domain.
