The Nigerian Navy recorded a significant milestone in the past year, increasing its fleet to 27 ships for maritime operations—a growth of over 30%, according to Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, the outgoing Flag Officer Commanding, Nigerian Navy Logistics Command, Oghara, Delta State.

Speaking on Tuesday during a farewell parade and handing-over ceremony held in his honor, Onyemaobi, now the Director of Marine Engineering at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, credited the achievement to the steadfast support of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

He noted that the enhanced availability of platforms has played a key role in combating maritime crimes, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.

According to him, “Your unwavering commitment and doggedness were also instrumental in developing effective strategic options, which improved ships availability to an unprecedented number of 27 ships for the NN operations.

“This was exemplified by the synergy between the Headquarters Logistics Command and the Fleet Supports Group, Helicopters Support Group, the Logistics Depot and Motor Vehicle Maintenance Group in the conduct of maintenance and repairs of NN vessels and platforms, as well as the timely delivery of Petroleum Oil and Lubricants (POL), and materials to ships units and establishments.

“These highlighted achievements would not have been possible without the support of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, who ensured our requests were promptly dealt with, particularly in the provision of POL and the much needed spare parts for ships’ materials which in no small way contributed to the availability of platforms across the three operational Commands.

“This availability has sustained various operations such as Operation Delta Sanity, Operation Calm Waters, Operation Seriteko, among others and in the conduct of various exercise across the various Commands, including exercise Obandama Express and the Chief of Naval Staff end of the year exercise and other exercises conducted with navies of other countries. 

“In so doing, this has created the desired effect by discouraging would be maritime offenders, there by assuring legitimate maritime operators of their safety in the conduct of business towards Nigeria’s economic development.

“In the same vein, increased availability of ships for patrols has led to drastic reduction in piracy.”

Onyemaobi who took over as the 19th Commander, last February, also commended officers and personnel of the Command for their efforts in ensuring operations of the Nigerian Navy platforms.

On his part, the new FOC, Rear Admiral Oluwole Otitoloju Fadeyi, assured that the tempo would be sustained in order to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain,  and especially,  the nation’s oil and gas assets.

“The Logistics Command is to ensure we have enough ships on the platforms to secure the maritime domain. You are aware that to a large extent, crude oil forms the largest part of our foreign earning. The crude oil reserves are out at sea, so it is important that the NN has platforms to secure those critical infrastructures and ensure no criminal activity happens there.

“The only way we can do this is to ensure that we have enough platforms to have presence at sea at anytime,” Fadeyi stated.

Officers from sister agencies, the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom among others, graced the ceremony.