The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas on Tuesday in Abuja, inaugurated a Naval Base in the Galadimawa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He also inaugurated accommodation blocks, water reticulation system, electrification and broke ground for the Naval Hospital project at the naval base in Asokoro.
Speaking during the inauguration, Abbas said that the projects demonstrated the navy’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of development were felt directly by the personnel whose sacrifices sustained the operational success of the force.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the inaugurated projects include eight blocks of 16 units two bedrooms apartments at navy quarters Galadimawa, and a block of 48 units one bedroom apartments for junior ratings.
Others include the electrification of 10 blocks, as well as fibre glass 667,000 litre water reticulation system at Navy town, Asokoro
According to him, these projects represent another significant milestone in our deliberate efforts to improve personnel welfare, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian navy.
“The completion of the 48 units one bedroom apartments accommodation project in Asokoro, which was abandoned for over 5 years after its commencement, reflects our determination to complete and productively utilize projects.”
The CNS while conducting the ground break for the commencement of the development the naval hospital, said it would be a state of the art medical facility with modern diagnostic, as well as treatment and special care features.
He said that the project was of utmost significance to the navy as it was one of the first major infrastructure projects initiated under his leadership as the CNS
According to him, welfare of personnel is not only about accommodation, but also quality healthcare.
“Upon completion, this 200 beds reference hospital, is expected to provide advanced healthcare services capable of managing many serious medical conditions for which Nigerians often seek treatment abroad.
“Beyond improving healthcare access for naval personnel and their dependents, the facility will contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery within the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
“The accompanying tree-planting exercise equally symbolizes our commitment to environmental sustainability and the creation of a healthy and conducive environment for future generations.”
Abbas assured personnel that many more previously abandon projects would be completed and inaugurated in the near future.
He added that the navy aimed to sustain it’s drive, rather than allow abandoned projects to deteriorate into wasted investments.
He charged beneficiaries and custodians of both existing and future projects to imbibe a strong maintenance culture and take ownership of the investments, as the true value of any facility laid in proper utilization and maintenance.
“In particular, I urge all personnel to adopt prudent electricity consumption habits and avoid the wasteful use of energy resources,” he said.
The CNS appreciated the Federal Government of Nigeria for its unwavering support to the Nigerian navy.
He also commended the projects implementation teams, contractors, engineers and all workers for their dedication, professionalism and efforts contributing to the successful execution of the projects.
“I am confident that the projects we are commencing and inaugurating today, will contribute significantly to institutional development and the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian navy,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Capt. Mustapha Garba, the acting commander of the Naval Base, Asokoro, described the event is aptly timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian navy.
He said it symbolized a turning point in the infrastructure development of the navy, as the projects cut across healthcare, power, accommodation, roads and water supply.
“As the Nigerian Navy marks seven decades of existence, we are proud to be the beneficiaries of these projects at this auspicious time.
“We are grateful for these magnanimous interventions, which align with the command philosophy of the CNS, who has built on the foundation laid by icons of the navy to produce the modern service we have today.
“We assure you of our commitment to the sustainable utilization and preservation of these projects for future generations,” he said.(NAN)
