This post has already been read at least 11514 times!
The Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Navy through enhanced support, improved readiness, and stronger civil-military collaboration.
Pheelangwah made this known during a familiarization visit to the Naval Headquarters on March 17, 2026, where he commended the leadership and personnel of the Navy for their professionalism, dedication, and critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He explained that the visit was designed to deepen strategic alignment between the Ministry and the Navy, as well as provide firsthand insight into the Service’s operational priorities, challenges, and ongoing initiatives.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the importance of strengthening civil-military synergy, noting that effective collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces remains essential for achieving sustainable national security objectives. He assured that the Ministry is ready to support the Navy in key areas, including force readiness, budgetary compliance, and improved welfare for officers and personnel. 
According to him, prioritizing human capital development and welfare is central to enhancing operational efficiency and morale. He added that strengthening Nigeria’s defence industrial base is equally critical, stressing the need for increased local content and strategic partnerships to boost indigenous capacity and contribute to national economic development.
Reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to addressing both operational and administrative challenges facing the Navy, Pheelangwah called for a unified approach to national defence through enhanced inter-service cooperation. He expressed optimism that with sustained support and collaboration, the Navy would continue to play a pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s maritime environment and protecting critical national assets.
In his response, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the leadership of the Ministry of Defence for maintaining a cordial working relationship with the Services.
He highlighted key areas requiring attention to boost personnel performance, including equipment procurement, improved procurement processes, and addressing infrastructural deficits such as adequate accommodation for naval personnel, particularly as the strength of the Service continues to expand. He also called for an increase in staff strength through the employment of medical personnel, as well as the provision of funds for the completion of projects initiated by his predecessor.
Vice Admiral Abbas appealed for sustained support from the Ministry to enable the Navy to achieve its operational targets.
Directors from the Ministry of Defence and Principal Staff Officers from the Naval Headquarters were present at the event.
This post has already been read at least 11514 times!
About the Author
Discover more from The Street Reporters Newspaper
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
