The Nigerian Navy has granted presidential concession promotion for 12 senior rates Master Warrant Officers to the rank of Lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Auwal Zubairu Gambo said Navy as part of the efforts to reinvigorate aspiration, leadership and strive for excellence within the ratings cadre, the Nigerian Navy activated the concessional commission provision in the Harmonized Terms and Condition of Service - Officers 2017 (Revised).
The Naval Chief noted that "the maiden Presidential Concessional Commissioning Ceremony took place in this Hall. The initiative was to reward personnel, in fulfilment of my resolve to encourage hard work, commitment and integrity, which portray the Nigerian Navy in good light."
This according to him is because "man remains the most critical and important factor for any organisation to succeed and the Nigerian Navy under my watch will stop at nothing to ensure personnel who distinguish themselves are rewarded handsomely".
He said, "Today, I am glad to observe that the Nigerian Navy has placed a high premium on human capacity development particularly with the introduction of several motivational incentives towards enhancing human resource output for optimal operational efficiency of the Nigerian Navy".
He said in addition to ongoing in-country regular training for career progression and development, slots for comparative training are sourced abroad to complement local training.
The Naval Chief noted that the provisions of the Concessional Commission allow for outstanding personnel of the rank of Master Warrant Officer and above or equivalent who possess exemplary leadership qualities and have distinguished themselves through hard work, dedication and meritorious service to be commissioned as officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He charged them to remain steadfast and loyal to constituted authorities and diligently focus on assigned duties.
"You are to also avoid any act that could bring disrepute to the Nigerian Navy and by extension Nigeria in general. May I also add that a lot will be expected of you as officers, given your experience and pedigree in the Service, especially in the light of the contemporary security challenges our nation faces. These challenges undoubtedly call for dedication, selflessness, professionalism, integrity and teamwork, which you must depict at all times." he stressed.
Dignitaries at the event were the Chief of Naval Staff, Senior Officers, the 12 newly decorated Leitenants, and their Families and well wishers.