As part of activities marking its 69th anniversary, the Nigerian Navy has commissioned a series of critical infrastructure projects at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft base in Apapa, Lagos.
The developments are aimed at enhancing the welfare, efficiency, and operational readiness of naval personnel.
The projects, commissioned by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mike Oamen, include a solar power facility, a 36-man convenience block, and the groundbreaking of a 50-man transit accommodation for junior ratings.
Describing the event as a milestone, Rear Admiral Oamen said the projects align with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, who has consistently emphasized personnel welfare and efficiency as cornerstones of naval development.
“Today, we are delighted to commission infrastructural projects at NNS Beecroft in the spirit of the Nigerian Navy Week. These projects are directly tied to the strategic priorities of the Chief of the Naval Staff, especially the emphasis on welfare and operational efficiency,” Admiral Oamen stated.
Powering the Future
At the heart of the commissioning is the new solar power infrastructure, which is expected to significantly reduce the base’s reliance on diesel-powered generators. This move not only addresses energy insecurity but also offers cost-saving benefits amid rising electricity tariffs and fuel costs.
“Energy needs are very high,” the FOC noted. “With the current economic climate, this solar infrastructure will help us save resources and improve administrative efficiency. It’s a win-win for operations and sustainability.”
He thanked the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for its support in solarizing the base, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights from the base’s main gate to Aremu Junction—a move that has improved night-time visibility and security in the area.
Comfort and Dignity for Personnel
In addition to the power project, the commissioning of a 36-man convenience block was described as a tangible demonstration of the Navy’s commitment to personnel dignity and well-being.
“We want our officers and men to live and work in conditions that reflect respect and decency. Facilities like this are vital for morale and operational effectiveness,” Oamen said.
The third project, a 50-man transit accommodation, will provide temporary housing for newly posted or transiting junior personnel—addressing longstanding accommodation gaps at the base.
Commander’s Vision for Growth
Speaking at the event, Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimyel, who took command in February 2025, revealed that the three projects stemmed from a deliberate plan to address core infrastructural needs.
“When I assumed command, I identified three urgent challenges—power, sanitation, and accommodation. These projects tackle those head-on and also lay a solid foundation for future growth,” he said.
He disclosed that the solar facility has a capacity to serve up to 500 users, with room for further expansion to support evolving administrative and residential needs at the base.
Commitment to Naval Transformation
The Western Naval Command’s latest projects underscore a broader shift in the Nigerian Navy toward sustainability, improved welfare, and enhanced operational readiness, in line with the CNS’s vision for a modern, professional, and people-focused naval force.
As the Navy celebrates nearly seven decades of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests, the developments at NNS Beecroft stand as a testament to its resolve to meet current challenges with smart solutions and forward-looking infrastructure.
 Beecroft base in Apapa, Lagos.){kind=link}