By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Navy (NN) today, Thursday, 30 October 2025, marked a historic transition of leadership as Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal) officially assumed duty as the 23rd Indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), succeeding Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (Admiralty Medal), who successfully completed his tenure as the 22nd Indigenous CNS.
The colourful and dignified ceremony, held at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja, featured the signing of handover and takeover notes, decoration of the new CNS with the Admiralty Medal, symbolic handover of the Ceremonial Binoculars and the Nigerian Navy Ensign, and the ceremonial lowering and hoisting of the Admiral’s Flag—signifying the end of one era and the beginning of another.
In his valedictory remarks, Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for a fulfilling naval career that culminated in his appointment as Chief of the Naval Staff. He highlighted several key achievements recorded during his 29-month tenure, including:
- Sustaining Nigeria’s zero-piracy record in the Gulf of Guinea.
- Launching Operation Delta Sanity to combat crude oil theft, which significantly boosted Nigeria’s crude oil production to about 1.8 million barrels per day.
- Establishing the Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command and the Nigerian Navy Marines.
- Initiating the Chief of Naval Staff’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects across the nation.
- Delivering numerous infrastructural projects and prioritizing personnel welfare.
Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the opportunity to serve, and urged all naval personnel to accord the same cooperation and loyalty to his successor, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas.
In his maiden address, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, who was accompanied by his wife and newly appointed National President of the Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA), Mrs. Aisha Abbas, thanked Almighty God and the President for entrusting him with the leadership of the Nigerian Navy. He paid tribute to his predecessors for their outstanding service and pledged to build on their achievements through well-defined and actionable strategies aimed at strengthening maritime security, curbing illegal activities, and enhancing operational efficiency.
Rear Admiral Abbas further emphasized that his leadership would focus on improved personnel training, welfare, and discipline, stressing that every naval officer and rating must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
The event culminated in the ceremonial lowering and hoisting of the Admiralty Flag, symbolizing a seamless and dignified transfer of command within the Nigerian Navy.
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