Funke Busari
The security of the nation’s maritime environment has received a boost with the assurance from the Ministry of Defence that it would support the desire to carry out its constitutional duties.
This is according to the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, MOD, Mr. Musa Istifanus during his maiden familiarization visit to the Naval Headquarters Abuja.
During the visit Mr. Istifanus revealed that the senior staff of the Ministry have resolved to work closely with the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, towards having a safer and secured Nigeria.
He stated further that the Ministry is open to receive suggestions from the Nigeria Navy at any time and offer all necessary assistance that will enable the Service carry out its responsibilities.
According to him the Ministry will properly look at the brief presented by the NN and act accordingly.
Earlier in his speech the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo appreciated the Permanent Secretary for the familiarisation visit.
The Navy Chief also acknowledged the important role of the Permanent Secretary, MOD, who serves as the chief accounting officer of the Ministry.
The CNS appreciated the prompt attention by the Office, which he said has contributed to the successes recorded so far by the NN in securing the nation’s maritime environment.
He is of the opinion that the visit will further strengthen the existing cordial working relationship between the Office of the Permanent Secretary and the Nigeria Navy.
The visit which witnessed exchange of souvenirs between the CNS and the Permanent Secretary was attended by the Director of Joint Services Affairs – Mrs. Olu Mutapha and the Director Army Affairs – Mr. Sunday Attah.
Others were the Director Navy Affairs – Mr Fashina Kayode Julius and the Director Air Force Affairs – Mr Ashibel Utsu Peter amongst others.
In a related development the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company, NLNG, has also commended the NN for its key role in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for the company to carry out its activities.
The Managing Director NLNG, Mr. Tony Attah said this when he recently led other senior management officials of the company on a courtesy visit to the CNS, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo at the Naval Headquarters Abuja.
In his speech Mr. Attah added that Liquefied Natural Gas is a critical national asset to the future of the country especially at a time that the nation is moving away from dependence on crude oil.
Going forward, he reiterated that without the NN’s support, the NLNG would have found it difficult to operate in the Niger Delta region.
To get the maximun success, Mr. Attah solicited for the continued support of the NN to enable the company sustain its operations.
The MD also used the forum to felicitate with the CNS on his recent appointment and wished him well as he leads the Service.
Responding, the CNS, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo appreciated the show of goodwill by the MD and quickly recalled that the NLNG was instrumental in the establishment of the NN Forward Operating Base Bonny. Vice Admiral Gambo pointed out that the NN is very mindful of the position of the NLNG as a key national asset and the NN’s responsibility to ensure that this asset is well protected.
The Navy boss then assured the MD and his team that the Service will continue to support the NLNG especially by providing a favourable atmosphere for its operations so that business will thrive without any fear.
Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo also expressed delight about the issue of gas flaring which is becoming a thing of the past.
