The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Adm. Idi Abass, has given assurance that the Nigerian Navy will continue to maintain the existing peace in the maritime space.
Abass gave the assurance on Monday in Warri during his maiden familiarisation visit to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CNS was received by the Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu.
Addressing newsmen, Abass said that there had been great improvement in the security situation in the Niger Delta region.
He also said that the development had led to an increase in the crude oil production and, by implication, more foreign exchange for the country.
“The Nigerian Navy will continue to do everything possible to maintain the peace we have within our maritime environment to enable legitimate businesses to thrive.
“Of course, Nigeria relies heavily on crude oil production, particularly in the Niger Delta region, and Delta is home to most of the offshore assets,” he said.
The naval chief also said that the prevailing security challenges in the country required societal approach.
He said that the Nigerian Navy needs the community dwellers, while the communities also need the Navy, so, “it is symbiotic.
“We cannot do without the community people and the locals cannot do without the Navy.
“They are the locals, and they know who is who in a particular area.
“We do not have other options than to work with them because we get information or intelligence from them,” Abass said.
He further said that the Nigerian Navy conducts regular medical rhapsody as well as distribution of palliative to the locals in order to bring them closer.
Earlier, while addressing the personnel, the CNS urged them to always maintain the highest standard of professionalism and discipline in their conducts.
He also urged the personnel to work in line with the core values of the Nigerian Navy which, according to him, include professionalism, integrity and teamwork.
The naval chief admonished the personnel to realise that they were the custodians of the maritime environment, where crude oil is explored.
Abass assured them that hard work would be rewarded, while indiscipline would be severally sanctioned. (NAN)
