By Bavoriat Clara
The Federal Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Navy through improved support, enhanced readiness, and deeper civil-military collaboration.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, made this known during a familiarisation visit to the Naval Headquarters in Abuja on March 17, 2026. He commended the leadership and personnel of the Nigerian Navy for their professionalism, dedication, and sustained efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Mr. Pheelangwah explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening strategic alignment between the Ministry and the Navy, while also providing an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the Service’s operational priorities, challenges, and ongoing initiatives.
He emphasised the importance of stronger civil-military synergy, noting that effective collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces is critical to achieving sustainable national security objectives. He assured that the Ministry would continue to support the Nigerian Navy in key areas, including force readiness, budgetary compliance, and improved welfare for officers and personnel.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the need to prioritise human capital development and welfare to boost operational efficiency and morale. He stressed the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s defence industrial base through increased local content and strategic partnerships to enhance indigenous capacity and drive economic development.
While reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to addressing operational and administrative challenges, Mr. Pheelangwah called for a unified approach to national defence through enhanced inter-service cooperation. He expressed confidence that with sustained support, the Nigerian Navy would continue to play a vital role in securing the nation’s maritime environment and protecting critical national assets.
In his response, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the Ministry for its cordial working relationship with the Armed Forces. He outlined key areas requiring support to enhance naval performance, including equipment procurement, improved procurement processes, and addressing infrastructural deficits such as adequate accommodation for personnel.
Vice Admiral Abbas also called for an increase in staff strength, particularly in the recruitment of medical personnel, as well as the provision of funds for the completion of ongoing projects initiated by his predecessors. He appealed for the Ministry’s continued support in achieving these objectives.
The event was attended by Directors from the Ministry of Defence and Principal Staff Officers from the Naval Headquarters.
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