By Kennedy Sheyin
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, on Tuesday in Abuja inaugurated a Naval Base in the Galadimawa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Abbas also inaugurated accommodation blocks, water reticulation system, electrification and broke ground for the construction of Naval Hospital at the naval base in Asokoro.
Speaking during the inauguration, Abbas said that the projects demonstrated the navy’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of development were felt directly by the personnel whose sacrifices sustain the operational success of the force.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inaugurated projects include eight blocks of 16 units, two bedroom apartments at navy quarters, Galadimawa, and a block of 48 units of one bedroom apartments for junior ranks at Asokoro.
Others include the electrification of 10 blocks as well as fibre glass 667,000 litre water reticulation system at Navy town, Asokoro.
According to him, the projects represent another significant milestone in the deliberate efforts to improve personnel welfare, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian navy.
“The completion of the 48 units of one bedroom apartments accommodation project in Asokoro, which was abandoned for over five years after its commencement, reflects our determination to complete and productively utilise projects,” he said.
The CNS, while inaugurating the construction of the naval hospital, said it would be a state-of-the-art medical facility with modern diagnostic, as well as treatment and special care features.
He said that the project was of utmost significance to him, being one of the first major infrastructure projects initiated under his leadership as the CNS.
According to him, welfare of personnel is not only about accommodation, but also quality healthcare.
“Upon completion, this 200-beds reference hospital is expected to provide advanced healthcare services capable of managing many serious medical conditions for which Nigerians often seek treatment abroad.
“Beyond improving healthcare access for naval personnel and their dependents, the facility will contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery within the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
“The accompanying tree-planting exercise equally symbolises our commitment to environmental sustainability and the creation of a healthy and conducive environment for future generations,” he added.
Abbas assured personnel that many more previously abandoned projects would be completed and inaugurated in the near future.
He added that the navy aimed to sustain its drive rather than allow abandoned projects to deteriorate into wasted investments.
He charged beneficiaries and custodians of both existing and future projects to imbibe a strong maintenance culture and take ownership of the investments, as the true value of any facility laid in proper utilisation and maintenance.
“In particular, I urge all personnel to adopt prudent electricity consumption habits and avoid the wasteful use of energy resources,” he said.
The CNS appreciated the Federal Government of Nigeria for its unwavering support to the Nigerian navy.
He also commended the projects implementation teams, contractors, engineers and all workers for their dedication, professionalism and efforts contributing to the successful execution of the projects.
“I am confident that the projects we are commencing and inaugurating today, will contribute significantly to institutional development and the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian navy,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Capt. Mustapha Garba, the acting commander of the Naval Base, Asokoro, described the event as aptly timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian navy.
He said it symbolised a turning point in the infrastructure development of the navy as the projects cut across healthcare, power, accommodation, roads and water supply.
“As the Nigerian Navy marks seven decades of existence, we are proud to be the beneficiaries of these projects at this auspicious time.
“We are grateful for these magnanimous interventions which align with the command philosophy of the CNS, who had built on the foundation laid by icons of the navy to produce the modern service we have today.
“We assure you of our commitment to the sustainable utilisation and preservation of these projects for future generations,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Deborah Coker
