The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibas Abbas, has restated his unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian Navy personnel and boosting operational effectiveness. He made this declaration on Monday, 12 January 2026, during an extensive operational tour of ships, units, and establishments under the Eastern Naval Command in Calabar.
Welfare as a Central Command Philosophy
Addressing officers and ratings at the Nigerian Navy Primary School Hall in Ikot Ansa, Calabar, Vice Admiral Abbas emphasized that the well-being of personnel is a top priority for his leadership. He outlined that deliberate, structured, and sustainable measures are actively being rolled out to address identified gaps in welfare, enhance living conditions, and fortify support systems across all naval formations.
The Naval Chief commended the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral CD Okehie, alongside all command personnel, for their professional conduct. He noted with satisfaction the absence of adverse reports from the command. Abbas stressed that professionalism, discipline, and integrity form the bedrock of his command philosophy, urging every member to uphold these values as they are critical to mission success and the service's reputation.
On-the-Ground Assessment of Key Facilities
As a key part of his engagements, the CNS conducted a detailed inspection of the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital in Calabar. He was received by the facility's Commander, Captain VC Igboezue, and other senior officers. During a comprehensive tour, Vice Admiral Abbas evaluated the hospital's capabilities, service delivery capacity, ongoing infrastructural upgrades, and operational challenges.
The visit extended to the accommodation facilities at the Naval War College Quarters located at Summit Hill in Calabar. There, the Commandant of the Naval War College Nigeria, Rear Admiral MA Muye, briefed the CNS on existing logistical and structural issues. The Naval Chief assured that appropriate interventions would be initiated to resolve these problems, aligning with his pledge to enhance welfare and readiness.
Assuring Support at Forward Operating Base Ibaka
Vice Admiral Abbas also proceeded to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka. He was received by the Commanding Officer, Commodore AG Abdullahi, who detailed the base's unique challenges and recent operational achievements. The CNS praised the base for its notable successes in maritime security and guaranteed that the highlighted challenges would be promptly addressed to further strengthen operations in Nigeria's vital maritime domain.
The day's activities concluded with official group photographs, marking the end of the Chief of Naval Staff's productive engagements within the Calabar area of the Eastern Naval Command.
