Akwa bom Govt , Navy Agree On New Naval Base For Ibeno

A new naval base is to be established in the Ibeno axis of Akwa Ibom State.

The development is to further boost the safety of maritime infrastructure in the State.

This was disclosed during a courtesy visit to Governor Umo Eno by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, in his office.

Admiral Abbas said he was in the State to pay homage and respect to the Governor before touring the naval units in the State as part of his operational visit to the Eastern Naval Command.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, who was only recently appointed by the President, said he is going round to have first-hand information on all units in the State, and his visit to the Governor was also to enable him thank the Governor for the support to the Navy since his assumption of office.

“Akwa Ibom is critical as most of the critical national assets are in the State.

“We are open to continuous collaborations with the State to protect critical national assets.

“Security is everyone’s responsibility and we need more support from the State.

“I was briefed on the base being proposed in the State. If we have an LOP, outpost or a base in Ibeno, we will appreciate it”, Admiral Abbas said.

Responding, Governor Umo Eno commended the Chief of the Naval Staff on his appointment by the President.

He thanked the President for the appointment, noting that it came at a time when there was a need to intensify efforts to protect maritime assets across the country.

The Governor said he is ready to issue a certificate of occupancy to ensure the establishment of the base in Ibeno.

He appreciated the supportive role of the Nigerian Navy and asked for more collaborations.

“One of the major contracts we signed some months ago was the construction of a passenger ferry by the Nigerian Navy for our Marine Jetty and other facilities in Oron.”

He mentioned the gunboats donated to the Navy as part of his holistic approach towards enhancing security in the State.

“In my administration, we take security very seriously and that is why we created the Ministry of Internal Security headed by Gen. Koko Essien (rtd).”

Governor Eno thanked all security agencies for their collaborative role in maintaining peace in the State and assured that he was favourably disposed to working with all to expand the frontiers of peace in the State.

“We run an all-inclusive government where women, youths and retired military officers all play major roles.”