The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas has reiterated the strategic importance of Rivers State as it plays host to several naval bases and training establishments.
He emphasized this on Thursday 4th December, 2025 during a courtesy visit on the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, at the Government House in Port-Harcourt.
According to the CNS, Rivers is one of the states with the highest production of crude oil, Rivers State remains strategic to Nigeria and being home to many naval bases and training establishments, Rivers State is strategic to the Nigerian Navy (NN).
“It was imperative for me to first pay courtesy to the Governor who is the Chief Security Officer of the State.”
He thanked the Governor for his warm reception and explained that he was on a familiarization of Nigerian Navy Ships, Bases, Units and Establishments in Rivers State.
The CNS went on to thank the Governor for his continued support to naval operations in the state and gave the assurance that he would further re-invigorate NN operations in furtherance of national security objectives.
In his remarks, the Governor Fubara congratulated the CNS on his appointment and thanking him for his visit.
He also stated that he was convinced that NN operations in Rivers State would be further improved by the CNS’ pragmatic leadership, noting that these were challenging times for the nation but would not relent in his support to the NN and other security agencies.
He specifically commended the Commander Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER, Rear Admiral Cajethan Aniaku for the good work he was doing and promised of his intent to continue providing needed support.
Also, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas undertook an inspection of several Nigerian Navy establishments which included Naval Shipyard Limited; Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER; Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Port Harcourt and the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Borokiri.
At the Naval Shipyard Limited, the CNS commissioned the newly remodelled Administrative Building of the Shipyard. According to the Admiral Superintendent Naval Shipyard Limited, Rear Admiral Ikenna Ubani, it became imperative to rebuild the administrative block due to the age & degradation of the block over the years.
Furthermore, at NNS PATHFINDER, he commissioned a newly built First Lieutenant’s accommodation and held an interactive session with officers and ratings. He also commissioned a newly constructed hospital complex at the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Borokiri.
The inspection tour reaffirmed the CNS’ commitment to improving operational readiness, enhancing personnel welfare and strengthening the Navy’s infrastructural capacity across its formations.
The commissioning of these key facilities reflects the Service’s continuous drive toward efficiency, professionalism and sustained maritime security operations in the nation’s maritime environment.
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