Nigerian Navy Director Flags Critical Welfare, Equipment Shortages During Eastern Command Visit.
The Director of Navy Affairs at the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Joel Adeoye, conducted a high-level visit to the Headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command in Calabar on Wednesday, highlighting pressing challenges within the Nigerian Navy, including a worrying exodus of personnel and inadequate equipment.
Accompanied by Deputy Director of Navy Logistics, Mr. Kola Aragbaye, Adeoye’s visit aimed to familiarize himself with the command’s operations and strategic needs.
Focus on Personnel Welfare and Retention
During a briefing with the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral K.C. Ezete, and his principal officers, Adeoye pinpointed personnel welfare as a critical area requiring immediate attention. He specifically called for improvements in:
- Accommodation for naval personnel and their families.
- Transportation facilities to support mobility and operations.
- Healthcare services to ensure the well-being of serving members.
The Director expressed deep concern over the “increasing rate of voluntary retirements,” linking the trend directly to these welfare issues and suggesting that improving living conditions is key to retaining experienced sailors.
Addressing Operational and Budgetary Challenges
Beyond welfare, Adeoye did not shy away from the operational hurdles facing the force.
He cited inadequate operational equipment and significant budgetary constraints as major impediments to the Nigerian Navy’s effectiveness in securing the nation’s maritime domain.
Despite these challenges, he commended the Chief of the Naval Staff for ongoing infrastructure development projects and assured Rear Admiral Ezete that the Ministry of Defence was committed to providing “necessary support in critical areas of need.”
Command Leadership Responds
In his response, Rear Admiral Ezete thanked the Director for his candid observations and commendations.
He welcomed the commitment from the Ministry of Defence, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to address the Navy’s most pressing issues.
The visit concluded with the traditional presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph, symbolizing the continued partnership between the Ministry of Defence and the Eastern Naval Command.
