FOC NAVTRAC visits PHRC, Customs Command in Rivers, Seeks Stronger Inter-Agency Cooperation

Port Harcourt, July 25, 2025 – The Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command (FOC NAVTRAC), Rear Admiral Robert Obande Obeya, on Friday continued his maiden familiarisation tour with visits to the Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, both in Rivers State.

At the PHRC, Rear Admiral Obeya was warmly received by the Acting Managing Director, Engineer Jelili Ademoye, who lauded the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering support in the company’s operations.

“The Nigerian Navy has been a strong pillar in the effective discharge of our duties, especially in maintaining security around critical infrastructure. We value this partnership and are confident it will continue to thrive,” Engineer Ademoye said, while congratulating the FOC on his appointment.

He assured the Navy of PHRC’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Naval Training Command for mutual benefit.

During his visit to the Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, the FOC NAVTRAC was received by the Area Comptroller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, who also congratulated Rear Admiral Obeya on his new role and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to continued partnership with the Nigerian Navy.

“The Nigerian Customs Service remains committed to inter-agency synergy, and we will continue to strengthen our longstanding relationship with the Navy in areas of security and operational coordination,” Comptroller Babandede said.

In his remarks at both stops, Rear Admiral Obeya emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, stating that all security and government agencies are unified in the mission to protect national interests and infrastructure.

“The need for inter-agency collaboration cannot be overemphasised. We all share a common responsibility to safeguard the integrity of our nation and ensure smooth operations across sectors,” the FOC said.

He also noted the availability of specialised Nigerian Navy schools under NAVTRAC’s purview, which are open for the training and professional development of personnel from sister agencies.

Rear Admiral Obeya expressed appreciation for the warm receptions at both institutions and praised the exemplary leadership at PHRC and NCS Onne Command. He reaffirmed his commitment to fostering closer working relationships and enhancing training opportunities for greater operational synergy.