Navy @70: Abbas Pledges Stronger Protection Of Nigeria’s Waterways

The Nigerian Navy has pledged to intensify efforts to secure the nation’s waterways to ensure safety and enable businesses to thrive within the maritime domain.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made the commitment during a special Juma’at prayer service held at the Eastern Naval Command Mosque on IBB Way, Calabar, as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary.

The event brought together officers, ratings, civil staff, and Muslim faithful to commemorate seven decades of naval service to the nation.

Representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Commandant of the Naval War College Nigeria, Rear Admiral Muhammad Muye, said the prayer session was organised to seek divine support for ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria’s coastline.

Speaking further, Muye said the anniversary marked a significant milestone in the Navy’s history.

“It’s not easy for us to have attained 70 years of existence,” he said, referencing a sermon delivered earlier by the Imam that highlighted key reflections on service and duty.

He also conveyed the Chief of Naval Staff’s appreciation to personnel and stakeholders for their contributions to naval operations.

“Chief of Naval Staff Idi Abbas has directed me to convey his appreciation to ratings, officers, the Imam and the civilian population for your contributions to the Navy’s operations,” he said.

While acknowledging progress, he stressed that more still needed to be done to strengthen maritime security.

“We are not yet where we intend to be, but we have moved a step further,” he said, reaffirming the Navy’s constitutional responsibility to secure Nigeria’s waterways and maritime environment.

“The Nigerian Navy has indeed done a lot and we will still need to do more,” Muye added.

In his closing remarks, the Imam of the Eastern Naval Command Mosque, Navy Captain Muhammad Zakariyah, prayed for continued protection of naval personnel and civilians living within naval communities.