Chiemelie Ezeobi
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has commended the Nigerian Navy for attaining at least 80 per cent of its capital budget in 2017, which he said impacted positively in their overall efficiency.
The speaker also said with the successful passage of the 2018 appropriation bill and implementation of the budget, it will further reposition the service to better fulfill their very essential obligations to the nation.
Dogara made this disclosure over the weekend at the Ceremonial Sunset marking the 62nd anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, which held at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos.
Represented by the Chairman, house of representatives committee on navy, Abdussamad Dasuki, the speaker commended the navy on their doggedness in the face of scarce resources.
He said, “With sustained commitment on the part of the Armed Forces, we will soon win the war against insurgency.
“The navy attained over 80 per cent capital budget performance in 2017. This achievement has impacted positively in their level of achievement and other enhanced operational efficiency.
“The successful passage of the 2018 appropriation bill and implementation of the budget will further reposition the service to better fulfill their very essential obligations to the nation.
“The National Assembly is aware of the constraints facing our Armed Forces like inadequate equipment due to limited resources.
“However, we have always done our best to ensure that reasonable provision are made for our security agencies and we will continue to afford you the necessary consultations.”
Commending the navy he said, “I rejoice with you in your successes and the growth you have enjoyed over the years. The Armed Forces have a crucial role to play in the survival of our country as a sovereign nation.
“I commend you for living up to expectations. As you police our territorial waters, you also have the unique responsibility of safeguarding our installations in our oil and gas industry.
“Your diligence and success in this regard is therefore crucial to the economic wellbeing of the country. I urge you to sustain your commendable efforts.”
Earlier, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas, said the service cannot be found wanting in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and territorial integrity, including the Gulf of Guinea.
He said, “We have endeavoured for 62 years despite the numerous constraints. However, the reality on ground suggests that we cannot rest on our oars.
“While Democracy continues to flourish in our country, Nigerians are not just beginning to ask for accountability and transparency but are demanding for performance from the different arms of the services.
“Therefore, the service cannot be found wanting in our exercising our responsibility in the maritime domain, especially in the Gulf of Guinea.
“I assure you that in this task, we will ensure an enabling environment. We remain committed to the tenets of transformation.”
