By Ofem John, JKNewsMedia Intern
OPERATIONAL AND administrative engagements unfolded in Calabar as the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, carried out a two-day visit to the Eastern Naval Command to strengthen naval operations, infrastructure development and personnel welfare in the region.
Idi Abbas, undertook the visit to the Eastern Naval Command in Calabar, marking his first official tour of the Command since assuming office. with the visit that began on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
He also arrived at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, accompanied by Principal Staff Officers from Naval Headquarters.
The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral CD Okehie, received him on arrival.
During the visit, the Chief of Naval Staff commissioned two newly completed 12 by 1 Junior Rates Permanent Accommodation Blocks, identified as Block A and Block B, at the Nigerian Navy Barracks, Atimbo. Senior naval officers, personnel of sister services and other security agencies attended the commissioning ceremony.
The event stressed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to improving the welfare and living conditions of its personnel.
He also inspected several ongoing and completed projects across the Command.
These included facilities at the Nigerian Navy Barracks Akim, 1006 Navy Barracks, the Nigerian Navy Hotel and Suites site, the permanent site of the Naval War College Nigeria, Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, the Eastern Fleet and the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory Jetty.
The inspections allowed the Chief of Naval Staff to assess infrastructure, fleet deployment and overall operational readiness.
At the Headquarters Eastern Naval Command, the Command Operations Officer, Rear Admiral CE Oji, presented an operational briefing outlining the Command’s activities, challenges and the prevailing security situation.
VA Abbas acknowledged the issues raised and assured officers and men that necessary measures would be taken to address them.
He encouraged personnel to embrace innovation and creative thinking in responding to evolving maritime security threats as he emphasised that effective welfare and sustained operations remain critical to achieving maritime security objectives.
As part of the visit, VA Abbas paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu.
The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for its professionalism and operational readiness in the region as he also expressed confidence in the Navy’s ability to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.
