The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to improving personnel welfare and institutional capacity with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Asokoro, alongside the commissioning of several infrastructure projects within the Abuja Area.
Speaking during the ceremony in Abuja, Vice Admiral Abbas described the hospital project as one of the first major infrastructure initiatives under his leadership and a critical step toward enhancing healthcare delivery for naval personnel and their families.
According to him, the proposed hospital is envisioned as a state-of-the-art medical facility equipped with modern diagnostic, treatment and specialist care capabilities.
“Upon completion, the hospital is expected to provide advanced healthcare services capable of managing many serious medical conditions for which Nigerians often seek treatment abroad,” he said.
The CNS added that beyond serving naval personnel and their dependants, the hospital would also contribute significantly to healthcare delivery within the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding communities.
He noted that the accompanying tree-planting exercise symbolised the Navy’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the creation of a healthier environment for future generations.
Vice Admiral Abbas also commissioned several completed projects aimed at improving accommodation and living conditions for personnel. These include eight blocks of 16 two-bedroom apartments at Navy Quarters Galadimawa, a block of 48 one-bedroom apartments for junior ratings at Navy Town Asokoro, electrification of 10 accommodation blocks, a new water reticulation system and associated infrastructure.
The CNS disclosed that the 48-unit accommodation project in Asokoro had been abandoned for over five years before his administration revived and completed it.
“Its delivery reflects my determination to ensure that abandoned projects across the Service are completed and put to productive use rather than allowed to deteriorate into wasted investments,” he stated.
He assured personnel that more abandoned projects across the Nigerian Navy would soon be completed and commissioned as part of ongoing efforts to improve welfare and operational effectiveness.
Vice Admiral Abbas stressed that infrastructure development must be complemented by proper maintenance and responsible usage.
He urged personnel and beneficiaries to cultivate a strong maintenance culture and avoid wasteful electricity consumption to ensure the sustainability of the facilities.
The Naval Chief also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its continued support to the Nigerian Navy and commended the contractors, engineers, project teams and workers involved in the successful execution of the projects.
He expressed confidence that the newly commissioned and ongoing projects would contribute significantly to institutional development and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy.
