Navy Inaugurates Solar-Powered Borehole, 35,000-litre Water Tank In Niger Community

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has commissioned a solar-powered borehole and water reticulation with a 35,000-litre overhead water tank capacity at Muye community in Lapai local government area of Niger State.

The Naval Chief, represented by director Veterans Affairs, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, said the project was conceived and executed in honour of the commandant of the Naval War College, Rear Admiral Mohammed Adamu Muye, a son of the community, for his service to the nation.

He said that, in line with civil-military cooperation, a special quick intervention project was launched in 2024 to facilitate the attainment of the reinvigorated Nigerian Navy’s civil-military cooperation mandate and to contribute to the ongoing federal government’s renewed hope agenda.

He said these projects are avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honour its accomplished senior officers and an indication that beyond physically securing lives and properties, “we are committed to serving the interest of Nigerians through other ways such as this”. “Today’s commissioning of the Chief of the Naval staff’s special intervention quick impact project undertaken by the illustrious son of Muye community in Lapai local government area, Rear Admiral Mohammed Adamu Muye, is yet another watershed in the Nigerian Navy’s civil-military cooperation honours. Today’s project, as we are here to witness, is the construction of an industrial solar-powered borehole and water reticulation with a 35,000-litre overhead water tank capacity at the Muyeh community in Lapai Boka government area of Niger state. Not only do these projects resonate with the vision of his excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, but they also aptly capture the essence of the quick impact projects as conceived by the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly so that they will last. ” We appeal that in keeping with the tenets of civil-military cooperation, the good people of this great community and Niger states and Niger state at large continue to collaborate with the Navy, the armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies as we eliminate threats to our collective well-being. Let me acknowledge the massive support from the community and the Niger state government from the commencement of the project to date. I sincerely appreciate everyone who worked to make this event a reality.”

The Project facilitator, Rear Admiral Mohammed Muye, said the ceremony was far more than the commissioning of physical infrastructure because “it represents the commissioning of hope, dignity, and opportunity” for his people. He said the project demonstrates the enduring belief that sustainable security cannot be achieved by military capability alone, but is also equally supported by meaningful investment in the welfare and well-being of its people.  He reiterated that the Chief of the Naval Staff introduced the Special Intervention Fleet Project in 2024 as a strategic initiative to strengthen civil-military cooperation nationwide.

“The initiative provides senior officers of the Nigerian Navy with an opportunity to give back to their communities by executing projects that directly address critical social needs while complementing government efforts in community development.

“The visionary initiative reflects the Nigerian Navy’s conviction that national security and national development are mutually reinforcing objectives,” he said.

Muye said that access to clean, potable water remains one of the most fundamental requirements for healthy living.

He stated that while water sustains life, promotes public health, supports agriculture and commerce, enhances education, and preserves human dignity, many communities across our nation still face challenges accessing reliable potable water. ” It was against this backdrop that the decision was taken to execute this integrated water project for the people of the Muye community.”

He explained that the combination of an industrial solar-powered borehole, a 35,000-litre elevated storage facility, and an extensive water recirculation system has been deliberately designed to provide a sustainable, environmentally friendly solution capable of serving this community for many years to come.

He said beyond the engineering value, this project symbolises compassion in action as “it reflects our shared belief that development should reach every community regardless of location and that every Nigerian deserves access to necessities that improve the quality of life.”

He continued, “If this facility contributes to reducing waterborne diseases, eases the burden of women and children who often travel long distances in search of water, supports healthcare delivery, and promotes economic activities, then the purpose will have been fully realised.”

He noted that while the Nigerian Navy’s primary constitutional responsibility remains the defence of Nigeria’s maritime domain, it equally recognises the importance of winning hearts and minds through initiatives that positively impact civilian communities.

“Indeed, the security of any nation ultimately rests upon the strength of the relationship between its people and its institutions. When communities and security agencies work together in mutual trust, respect, and understanding, peace becomes more enduring, and development becomes more sustainable.”