Abuja: The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, on Tuesday inaugurated a Naval Base in the Galadimawa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Abbas also inaugurated accommodation blocks, a water reticulation system, electrification, and broke ground for the construction of a Naval Hospital at the naval base in Asokoro.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the inaugurated projects include eight blocks of 16 units, two-bedroom apartments at navy quarters, Galadimawa, and a block of 48 units of one-bedroom apartments for junior ranks at Asokoro. Others include the electrification of 10 blocks as well as a fibre glass 667,000-litre water reticulation system at Navy town, Asokoro.
Abbas emphasized that these projects represent a significant milestone in efforts to improve personnel welfare, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian navy. The completion of the 48 units of one-bedroom apartments accommodation project in Asokoro, which had been abandoned for over five years, reflects the navy’s determination to complete and productively utilize projects.
In inaugurating the construction of the naval hospital, Abbas stated that it would be a state-of-the-art medical facility with modern diagnostic, treatment, and special care features. He highlighted the project’s significance as one of the first major infrastructure projects initiated under his leadership as CNS, emphasizing that personnel welfare extends beyond accommodation to include quality healthcare.
The 200-beds reference hospital is expected to provide advanced healthcare services, capable of managing many serious medical conditions for which Nigerians often seek treatment abroad. It aims to improve healthcare access for naval personnel and their dependents while contributing to healthcare delivery within the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. The accompanying tree-planting exercise symbolizes a commitment to environmental sustainability and a healthy environment for future generations.
Abbas assured personnel that many more previously abandoned projects would be completed and inaugurated soon. He emphasized the navy’s aim to sustain its drive rather than allowing abandoned projects to deteriorate into wasted investments. He urged beneficiaries and custodians of both existing and future projects to maintain a strong maintenance culture and take ownership of the investments.
The CNS expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its support to the Nigerian navy. He commended the projects implementation teams, contractors, engineers, and workers for their dedication and professionalism contributing to the successful execution of the projects. He expressed confidence that these projects will significantly contribute to the institutional development and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian navy.
Earlier, Capt. Mustapha Garba, the acting commander of the Naval Base, Asokoro, described the event as aptly timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian navy. He stated that it symbolized a turning point in the infrastructure development of the navy as the projects encompass healthcare, power, accommodation, roads, and water supply. He expressed gratitude for these interventions aligning with the command philosophy of the CNS, who had built on the foundation laid by icons of the navy to produce the modern service seen today.