Ada Wodu, Calabar
The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy has sought budgetary provision for three helicopters, 20 flat bottom boats, three tugs and an airbase at Ikot Abasi to combat maritime crime.
These were some of the demands the command laid before the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Nigerian Navy, Yusuf Gagdi, and other members of the committee during their visit to the command as part of its oversight function.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral David Adeniran, who sought improved partnership with the National Assembly in the area of funding, said it would enhance its service delivery in the maritime domain and improve the nation's economy.
Adeniran said there was a nexus between the economic well-being of the country and the maritime environment, and pledged to work with the legislature to move the country forward.
He stated, "Evidently, there is a nexus between national economic well-being of our dear nation and the maritime environment, and by extension therefore, the Nigerian Navy.
"Thus, the more the maritime environment is secure, the better the economy of the nation.
"The Nigerian Navy will continue to solicit more appropriation from the National Assembly, knowing that the navy is a cost-effective investment for the economic well-being of our dear nation."
He added that the tour of projects and facilities by the House committee would avail the members firsthand knowledge of projects and facilities put in place in the command.
Responding, Gagdi expressed satisfaction with the projects executed by the Eastern Naval Command after inspecting them, adding that the Nigerian economy was built around the maritime sector and promised that the National Assembly would work with the navy for the overall interest of the country.
"If you look at the two naval hospitals in Calabar and Ojo in Lagos, their pieces of equipment are world class standard and if I can, I will make myself a patient in one of them," he said.
Gagdi stated that the committee would present to the House how the navy could be provided with platforms and surveillance aircraft to make it more effective in providing maritime security.
"The Nigerian economy depends largely on oil and this comes from the maritime area; so, it is necessary to equip the navy with the tools to maintain effective security in that sector," he stated.
Some of the sites visited were the Reference Hospital, residential buildings under construction in barracks and jetties, among others.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has offered to pay the one-year fees of brilliant JSS 1 to 3 and SSS 1and 3 pupils of the Navy Secondary School, Akpabuyo, Cross River State.
Gagdi announced this on behalf of the Speaker, while addressing the pupils of the school during the committee's oversight function to the Eastern Naval Command.
He told the pupils, "We will do all we can to help you. Respect your parents and the school authority," adding that they should work hard and excel in their academic endeavours.
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