The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla has restated the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to intensify efforts to curb crude oil theft and put an end to illegal refining.
The Naval Chief stated this during his maiden remarks after taking over command from former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo on Friday 23rd, June 2023 at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
Rear Admiral Ogalla pledged the readiness of the Nigerian Navy to enhance capabilities in combating piracy and sea robbery and ensure the general safety of maritime domain.
His words: “To us still in Service, the journey is however far from over. The task ahead of us is challenging. We continually face significant threats such as crude oil theft, prevalence of illegal refineries, Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, piracy, sea robbery, piracy, various forms of trafficking and other maritime crimes.
“These are not just threats to our maritime security, but also to our economic stability and national development. But let me be clear: We are committed to tackling these security challenges head-on.
The Naval Chief who recognised the invaluable contributions of the Principal Staff Officers and other very senior officers who have served meritoriously under his amiable predecessor noted that their expertise, dedication, and tireless efforts have been instrumental to the successes achieved by the Nigerian Navy. As some of them retire, I want to express my deepest gratitude for their selfless service and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
He therefore commended his predecessor Vice Admiral AZ Gambo for his significant achievements, pointed out that under his able leadership, the Nigerian Navy has made remarkable strides in safeguarding Nigeria maritime domain, protecting the national interests, and contributing to regional peace and stability.
Earlier in his speech, the outgone Chief of Naval Staff said “I have always shared my expectations such that all officers, ratings and civilian staff were able to adhere to high standards of discipline, loyalty, integrity, selfless service, teamwork and professionalism”.
He implored all personnel to be on the right side of history by being part of the solution to the challenges of the Service and the nation.
He said the Service evolved more stringent operations concepts and strategies to tackle the devastating impacts of piracy, sea robbery, proliferation of illegal refinery, brazen crude oil theft, destruction of critical oil and gas infrastructure among others.
“To this end, we heightened our commitment to anti-piracy operations, anti-COT operations, choke point operations as well as riverine and swamp operations.
“To give impetus to this resolve, we embarked on massive fleet renewal, robust logistics management, acquisition of additional platforms, human capital enhancement and holistic infrastructural development and effective collaboration with local and international partners.
“Our determination to face the several maritime security challenges would have been weakened if not for the immense support we received from the various quarters,” he said.
Gambo expressed gratitude to the personnel for their dedication, teamwork and professionalism, urging them to keep up the high standards and remain devoted to the service.
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