The Nigerian Navy has charged its officers to take control of Nigeria’s territorial waters and eliminate criminals operating within the territory, thereby ensuring the smooth running of maritime operations.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Istifanus Mu’azu Albara, gave the charge, urging officers to dominate the ocean and protect Nigeria’s sea lanes of communication from threats posed by economic saboteurs, particularly violent non-state actors.
Albara, speaking at the combined graduation ceremony of the Officers Long Special Course 29/24 and Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course 32/24, emphasized that the maritime domain remains a critical source of power and wealth for those who control it. He noted that the Nigerian Navy, in line with its constitutional responsibility to protect the nation—especially its maritime domain—continues to face numerous threats that impact the country’s economic well-being and national security.
The FOC NAVTRAC was represented at the event by the Chief Staff Officer of the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A. Baba-Inna, who explained that the evolving dynamics of these threats have necessitated the expansion and modernization of the Navy’s fleet in recent times.
He further noted that, while several challenges have hindered the Navy’s efforts to secure Nigeria’s maritime environment, the need for well-trained personnel to tackle these challenges cannot be overemphasized.
He stated, “It is on this premise that the Nigerian Navy has structured its training approach to reflect a comprehensive and systematic progression in line with global best practices.” Baba-Inna added that the various courses undertaken by the graduating personnel build on their previous training and focus on developing critical skills and competencies needed to operate the sophisticated equipment in the Navy’s fleet and counter the prevalent maritime threats plaguing Nigeria’s maritime domain and areas of interest.
He assured attendees that the knowledge gained during the training had equipped the officers with the requisite skills and information to ensure the desired outcomes in the Navy’s daily operations. He added, “I am proud to announce that your training is world-class and has been designed to enable you to function effectively on our platforms.”
The FOC congratulated the Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Quorra Commodore Benjamin Onalo for his efforts, which have led to the certification of seaman courses by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in line with International Maritime Organization standards.
He noted that this certification has also resulted in NNS Quorra being recognized as a Maritime Training Institute. He urged the personnel to build on the knowledge they have acquired and not rest on their laurels, as learning is a continuous process and a personal endeavor.
In his words: “The seriousness you give to personal development will reflect in your future endeavors. As you return to your respective ships, be dutiful, loyal to the Service, and mindful of how you use your time.
“Actively seek opportunities to contribute towards the attainment of the deliverables of the CNS Strategic Directives, and uphold the core values of professionalism, team spirit, and integrity in all your dealings.
“As officers, you are at the core of every naval operation. You fight the wars and enforce the laws. Your words, actions, and gestures can determine everything that goes right or wrong. Therefore, you must strive to speak from a position of knowledge and act from a prism of patriotism.”
