By Harriet Tornguvan
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Navy through improved support, enhanced readiness, and deeper civil-military collaboration.
Pheelangwah gave the assurance during a familiarisation visit to the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, where he commended officers and personnel of the Navy for their professionalism, dedication, and sustained efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He explained that the visit was part of efforts to deepen strategic alignment between the Ministry and the Navy, as well as to gain firsthand insight into the Service’s operational priorities, ongoing initiatives, and challenges.
The Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of strengthening civil-military relations, noting that effective synergy between the Ministry of Defence Nigeria and the Armed Forces is critical to achieving long-term national security objectives.
He assured that the Ministry remains committed to supporting the Navy in key areas, including force readiness, adherence to budgetary provisions, and improved welfare for personnel.
According to him, prioritising human capital development and welfare is essential to boosting operational efficiency and morale within the Service.
Pheelangwah also underscored the need to develop Nigeria’s defence industrial base, advocating increased local content and strategic partnerships to strengthen indigenous capacity while contributing to national economic growth.
Reiterating the Ministry’s resolve to address both operational and administrative challenges confronting the Navy, he called for a unified approach to national defence through enhanced inter-service cooperation.
He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration would enable the Navy to continue playing a vital role in securing the nation’s maritime environment and protecting critical national assets.
In his response, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the Ministry for its sustained support and cordial relationship with the Armed Forces.
He, however, highlighted several areas requiring urgent attention to enhance operational effectiveness, including the procurement of modern equipment, reforms in the procurement process, and addressing infrastructural deficits such as adequate accommodation for personnel, especially in view of the Navy’s growing manpower.
The naval chief also called for increased recruitment, particularly of medical personnel, as well as adequate funding for the completion of ongoing projects initiated by previous administrations.
Vice Admiral Abbas appealed for continued support from the Ministry to enable the Service to meet its operational targets and effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
The visit was attended by directors from the Ministry of Defence and Principal Staff Officers from Naval Headquarters.
