The Federal Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Navy through enhanced institutional support, improved readiness, and deeper civil-military collaboration.
This assurance was given by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, during a familiarisation visit to Naval Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
During the visit, Pheelangwah commended the leadership and personnel of the Nigerian Navy for their professionalism, dedication, and sustained efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He said the visit was designed to deepen strategic alignment between the Ministry and the Navy, while also providing the Ministry with firsthand insight into the Service’s operational priorities, ongoing initiatives, and existing challenges.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that stronger civil-military synergy remains essential to achieving sustainable national security objectives, noting that effective collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces is critical to national defence outcomes.
He assured the Navy of the Ministry’s continued support in key areas, including force readiness, budgetary compliance, and improved welfare for officers and ratings.
Pheelangwah also underscored the importance of prioritising human capital development and personnel welfare as vital drivers of operational efficiency and morale.
In addition, he called for renewed focus on strengthening Nigeria’s defence industrial base through local content development and strategic partnerships aimed at boosting indigenous capacity and supporting national economic growth.
Reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to addressing both operational and administrative challenges facing the Navy, he urged enhanced inter-service cooperation and a unified national defence posture.
He expressed confidence that with sustained support and stronger collaboration, the Nigerian Navy would continue to play a decisive role in securing Nigeria’s maritime environment and protecting critical national assets.
Responding, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the Ministry of Defence for the cordial working relationship it currently enjoys with the Armed Forces.
He, however, outlined critical areas requiring urgent intervention to further improve naval operational effectiveness and personnel performance.
According to the Chief of Naval Staff, these include accelerated equipment procurement, reforms in the procurement process, and the resolution of infrastructural deficits—particularly the provision of adequate accommodation for naval personnel as the Service continues to expand.
Vice Admiral Abbas also highlighted the need for increased manpower, especially through the recruitment of medical personnel, as well as funding support for the completion of ongoing projects initiated by his predecessor.
He appealed to the Ministry to provide the necessary backing to enable the Navy meet its strategic and operational targets.
Directors from the Ministry of Defence and Principal Staff Officers from Naval Headquarters were present at the event.
