Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, the new Chief of Naval Staff, took office on Thursday and promised to step up efforts to combat marine crimes endangering Nigeria’s economy, including illicit bunkering and the theft of crude oil.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja, the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff acknowledged that despite significant progress, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, crude oil theft, sea robbery, and other maritime crimes that endanger both national security and economic prosperity continue to threaten Nigeria’s maritime environment.
In order to tackle these issues, the naval chief announced his tenure’s top priorities, which include strengthening cooperation with other security agencies, improving maritime security, increasing fleet capability through aggressive fleet renewal and increased use of technology, and emphasizing personnel welfare and training.
“I am not unaware that a scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking continues to threaten our maritime environment,” he declared. In addition to endangering our country’s economy and energy security, these crimes also jeopardize the livelihoods of coastal communities as well as the stability and prosperity of our beloved country’s economy.
“My tenure will be guided by a clear and actionable strategic approach to confront these challenges decisively, with a focus on strengthening maritime security and combating illegalities, enhancing the operational capability of our fleet through aggressive fleet renewal use of technology, prioritizing training and personnel welfare, as well as fostering inter-agency synergy, regional and international collaboration.”
“As the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff, I stand before you today with humility and thanks to God. I will always be appreciative to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief, for considering me deserving of the position of head of the Nigerian Navy,” he declared.
The navy head praised Vice Admiral Emmanuel Nkechukwokala, his predecessor, for his “visionary leadership and service,” which he claimed had established a strong basis for the Navy’s future advancement.
He emphasized that discipline and accountability will continue to be crucial and asked navy personnel to uphold the service’s essential characteristics of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.
“I pledge to take the lead and make sure that your well-being always comes first. He assured Nigerians that the Navy will put up endless effort to protect the country’s seas and promote the expansion of the blue industry.
According to reports, President Bola Tinubu selected new service chiefs for the Army, Navy, and Air Force this week as part of a significant reorganization of the armed forces.
