The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has hailed the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA, Shehu Mohammed Tasiu, and his team for transforming the naval base through several developmental and welfare projects.
Vice Admiral Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Suleiman Dantsoho Ibrahim, gave the commendation during the commissioning of projects at the base on Monday.
The projects commissioned include car parks, lawn tennis and volleyball courts, the Executive Officer’s institutional house, and a 30-room self-contained accommodation for senior rates.
Speaking at the event, Rear Admiral Ibrahim said the developmental strides recorded at the base reflected exemplary leadership and commitment to service delivery by the commander and project team.
“I must reserve special praise for the Commander, NNS DELTA, and the entire project team. Your exemplary leadership and quality works delivery have transformed this Base,” he said.
“Beyond today’s new projects, I have taken note of the various developmental strides you have undertaken, and I strongly commend your commitment to the Service and to the officers and ratings under you.”
The Naval Chief noted that several other projects executed under Tasiu’s leadership had significantly improved the working and living environment within the Base.
“Starting from the multipurpose hall upgrade , which has given us a good venue for briefings and hosting of events, to the extensive renovations and air conditioning installations in the administrative block, these projects have drastically improved the working environment for our staff,” Ibrahim stated.
He also commended the upgrade of the corps members’ lodge, describing it as evidence of the command’s concern for the comfort and welfare of National Youth Service Corps members serving at the Base.
“These projects, though varied, share a common thread, they were driven by your resourcefulness, integrity, taste for quality, and refusal to accept the status quo. Well done, Commander,” he added.
Ibrahim further described the newly commissioned projects as a reflection of operational readiness, strategic partnership, and administrative excellence.
“What we are witnessing today is not merely the inauguration of structures, but the tangible manifestation of operational readiness, strategic partnership and administrative excellence,” he said.
The Chief of Naval Staff also commended Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for sponsoring the accommodation projects at the Base.
“I must specially recognize and thank our esteemed partners, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, for their generous and patriotic sponsorship of two critical welfare projects,” he stated.
According to him, the projects would improve the morale and welfare of naval personnel.
“These project sponsorships demonstrate what is possible when the private sector aligns with the Navy’s vision for improved living standards. By providing decent transit accommodation for our senior rates and a befitting institutional house for our Executive Officer, Tantita has directly boosted the morale of our workforce,” he said.
Ibrahim urged officers, ratings, and civilian staff of the base to properly maintain the facilities and remain committed to professionalism and operational excellence.
“A commissioned project is only as good as its maintenance. Security remains our primary mandate. Do not let the comfort of new facilities dull your edge,” he warned.
Speaking earlier, Commodore Tasiu said the projects were aimed at improving the welfare and operational efficiency of personnel serving at the base.
“These projects did not happen by accident. They happened because of deliberate support, clear vision, and a shared belief that those who defend our waters deserve good facilities, including decent homes,” he said.
He assured that the facilities would be properly maintained and utilized for their intended purposes.
In his vote of Thanks, the Executive Officer (XO) Capt. Daniel Beecroft thanked the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, for his support from the conceptualisation stage of the projects to their completion.
“I thank the FOC, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, for his unquantifiable support in ensuring that these projects moved from conceptualisation to completion,” he stated.
He also appreciated TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited for its contributions to the development of the naval base and the welfare of personnel.
“To TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited, your immense contributions and generosity have greatly supported development and boosted the welfare of naval personnel,” he said.
According to him, the partnership reflects how the public and private sectors can work together to strengthen national security and support personnel serving on the frontlines.
“One of the major challenges we face is accommodation, and this project has addressed that concern to a very large extent. Many of our personnel who live outside the Base can now relocate into the barracks, which will enhance their safety and reduce the burden of transportation,” he said.
Capt Beecroft assured that the facilities would be properly maintained and effectively utilised to support operational efficiency and personnel welfare at the Base.
Other guests, in separate chats with newsmen at the event, hailed the leadership of the Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA and TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited for the developmental projects, describing them as timely interventions that would improve personnel welfare, operational efficiency and the overall working environment at NNS DELTA.
