The Nigerian Navy has taken a significant step towards improving the welfare of its personnel with the commissioning of a new, modern accommodation block for senior ratings at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny, Rivers State.
Leadership Commits to Improved Living Standards
At the official opening ceremony, the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, pledged a continued focus on better living conditions for all officers and ratings. He described the newly built Senior Ratings’ Lodge as a clear testament to purposeful leadership and a firm commitment to the well-being of navy personnel.
Rear Admiral Okehie specifically commended the Commanding Officer of FOB Bonny, Commodore Emmanuel Fingesi, for setting a new standard in infrastructure development within the command. He emphasized that the project's quality and timely completion were deliberate actions aimed at directly improving the lives of serving men and women.
Project Details and Timelines
Providing specifics on the construction, the Base Operations Officer of FOB Bonny, Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, outlined the project's history. He stated that the lodge was entirely conceived, initiated, and completed under Commodore Fingesi's leadership to solve the acute accommodation shortage at the base.
The construction began on August 22, 2025, and was successfully completed on December 30, 2025. This swift timeline, according to Almustapha, highlights the base's dedication to discipline, excellence, and the prompt execution of projects. The facility is designed as a 20-man lodge with the capacity to accommodate up to 62 senior ratings, effectively ending the previous accommodation deficit.
A Boost for Morale and Operational Readiness
During the commissioning, Rear Admiral Okehie underscored the critical link between welfare initiatives and operational success. He noted that such projects are vital for maintaining high morale, discipline, and overall operational efficiency within the Nigerian Navy. The new accommodation is expected to significantly enhance the working and living environment for senior ratings stationed at FOB Bonny.
The FOC was accompanied by other senior officers, including the Command Operations Officer, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chinonyerem Oji, and the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Rear Admiral Cajetan Aniaku. They were given a tour of the fully furnished building by Commodore Fingesi, who highlighted its key features and its role in solving long-standing accommodation challenges.
The commissioning of this lodge, alongside other infrastructure projects undertaken by the base command, marks a substantial upgrade to FOB Bonny's facilities. This initiative reinforces the Nigerian Navy's broader, ongoing drive to prioritize personnel welfare, which is fundamental to sustaining enhanced operational readiness across its formations.
