Minister assures on new Navy barracks in Akwa Ibom

The Minister of State for Defense, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, has assured the Nigerian Navy on new barracks in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

Obanikoro gave the assurance during a familiarization tour to Forward Operational Base, Ibaka and NNS Jubilee in Ikot Abasi on Wednesday. 

He said that the Federal Government was committed to build new Navy Barracks and provide necessary infrastructure to make the base more functional.

“We are committed towards the building of Navy barracks and providing the necessary infrastructure to make it functional in the true sense,’’ he said.

He said that he would meet the appropriate authority to get the necessary support in order to kick start the project. 

“We will have to make a very superior argument to get the barrack done and hopefully we will be able to convince the appropriate authority enough to give us the necessary support that is needed to kick start that project.
“And to do other acquisition that will enhance the capacity of our men and officers to perform optimally.’’ Obanikoro said.

He said that the Ministry decided to embark on the tour to understand the challenges faced by the Naval in order to bring policies that would positively affect the operational activities of men and officers of the navy.
The Minister lamented that the optimal performance of the Naval was hampered by lack of adequate funding.

“I am happy with the disposition of our officers in spite of the challenges they face and in their own way they are creative in spite of their challenges.
Obanikoro commended the Nigerian Navy for curbing the activities of illegal bunkering within their maritime domain and promise to give necessary support to enhance their operations.

He said that the Federal Government was committed rid of criminal activities that are making business very difficult in the sector.

He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for acquiring modern and sophisticated military hardware which have enhanced the operations of the navy.
“The investment that government has done in the last three to four years is now coming to fruition.

“Let not forget that in the last 25 years we have not really done major acquisition for the military, it is now that the President has started doing that and I believe that with that effort, we will now begin to see the difference,’’ he said.