The newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, on Thursday officially assumed office, vowing to strengthen the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes undermining Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja during the handover ceremony, the 23rd naval chief acknowledged that despite previous successes, Nigeria’s maritime domain continues to face threats from crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities affecting national security and economic growth.
To tackle these challenges, Rear Admiral Abbas outlined his key priorities, which include boosting maritime security, enhancing fleet capacity through aggressive renewal and advanced technology, prioritising personnel welfare and training, and improving collaboration with other security and regional agencies.
He said, “I am not unaware that our maritime environment remains threatened by a scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing and drug trafficking.
“These crimes not only undermine our national economy and energy security, but also threaten the livelihoods of our coastal communities and the economic stability and prosperity of our dear nation.
“To confront these challenges decisively, my tenure will be guided by a clear and actionable strategic approach, focusing on strengthening maritime security and combating illegalities, enhancing the operational capability of our fleet through aggressive fleet renewal use of technology, prioritising training and personnel welfare, as well as fostering inter-agency synergy, regional and international collaboration.”
Rear Admiral Abbas described his appointment as both a privilege and a call to greater responsibility, assuring that he would serve with commitment and integrity.
“It is with humility and gratitude to God that I stand before you today as the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff. I am eternally grateful to the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for finding me worthy to lead the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He praised his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Nkechukwokala, for his “visionary leadership and service,” which, he noted, had provided a solid foundation for the Navy’s continued progress.
The naval chief further urged officers to uphold the service’s values of professionalism, teamwork, and accountability, pledging to prioritise their welfare and maintain discipline within the ranks.
“I promise to lead from the front and ensure that your welfare remains a top priority, assuring Nigerians that the Navy will work tirelessly to safeguard the nation’s waters and support the growth of the blue economy,” he added.
President Bola Tinubu, last week, appointed new service chiefs for the Army, Navy, and Air Force as part of a major restructuring in the Armed Forces.
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