By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Navy on Friday reinforced its commitment to personnel welfare and infrastructure renewal with the commissioning of major accommodation and recreational projects in Navy Town, Lagos, as part of activities marking its 70th anniversary celebrations.
The projects, inaugurated by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, include a 48-unit one-bedroom accommodation block for junior ratings, a newly completed 16-unit two-bedroom flat complex for senior ratings, and the modern Dolphin Golf Club House.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Vice Admiral Abbas described the projects as visible symbols of the Nigerian Navy’s transformation from modest beginnings into a modern maritime force driven by operational excellence and personnel welfare.
He stated that the projects underscored the Navy’s determination to provide a conducive living and working environment for officers, ratings and their families while strengthening support infrastructure across naval formations.
The naval chief noted that the commissioning held special significance as one of the projects, the 48-unit accommodation block, had remained abandoned for more than five years before his administration ordered its completion.
According to him, the Navy would continue to prioritise the revival and completion of viable abandoned projects to ensure personnel derive maximum benefit from available infrastructure.
Abbas assured officers, ratings and civilian staff that more abandoned projects across naval formations nationwide would soon be completed and commissioned under the service’s ongoing infrastructure renewal policy.
On the newly completed Dolphin Golf Club House, the CNS described the facility as more than a sporting centre, stressing that it would promote professional interaction, social engagement and stronger relationships among naval personnel, veterans and partners.
He added that the recreational complex would serve as a strategic platform for building camaraderie and enhancing the overall wellbeing of members of the naval community.
The naval chief, however, cautioned beneficiaries against poor maintenance culture, emphasising that the long-term value of any facility depends on proper utilisation, preservation and regular maintenance.
He urged personnel to take ownership of the facilities, maintain high standards and adopt prudent electricity consumption habits to prevent waste of energy resources.
Abbas also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as unwavering support towards the growth and modernisation of the Nigerian Navy.
He further commended engineers, contractors and project teams involved in the execution of the projects for their dedication and professionalism, noting that their efforts contributed significantly to the successful completion of the facilities.
The commissioning formed part of activities lined up to celebrate the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, highlighting the service’s continued investment in personnel welfare, infrastructure development and institutional growth.
