The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, has pledged the Nigerian Navy’s support towards boosting oil production in the country.
He made this known during a visit by the United Correspondents Chapel (UCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, to the Command’s headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim emphasized the importance of collaboration between the media and security agencies in combating oil theft and related crimes. He disclosed that the Nigerian Navy is working closely with relevant agencies such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to increase crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027.
The FOC highlighted the launch of Operation Delta Sentinel, which he said is aimed at curbing oil theft and promoting the lawful exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources. He urged the media to educate the public on the dangers of oil theft and the benefits of legitimate oil exploration, stressing the need for a “whole-of-society approach” to tackling the menace.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim also assured that the Navy is leveraging modern technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to detect and respond swiftly to oil theft activities. He commended the UCC for its commitment to balanced and professional reporting and pledged the Navy’s continued support for the Chapel’s efforts in promoting peace and development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the United Correspondents Chapel, Mr.Ekaunkumo Amgbare highlighted the cordial relationship between the UCC and the Central Naval Command, stressing the importance of collaboration in ensuring maritime security.
Amgbare noted that a crime-free marine environment is critical to the progress and development of Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large. He congratulated Rear Admiral Ibrahim on his appointment and praised his swift and impactful actions within his first three months in office.
The UCC Chairman reaffirmed the Chapel’s commitment to professionalism, fairness, and balanced reporting, while offering to support the Command by publicizing its anti-piracy and security initiatives.
On the same day, Rear Admiral Ibrahim also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Senior and Junior Ratings Mess at the Command’s headquarters.
Speaking at the event, the FOC said the project is aimed at enhancing personnel welfare, boosting morale, and increasing productivity. He explained that the facility would provide a conducive social environment where personnel can relax and interact after a demanding day’s work.
He urged the project officer to ensure high standards of execution and timely completion of the project. The Admiral also thanked the Commander, Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) Soroh, Commodore O.A. Akinbami, for initiating the project, describing it as a lasting testament to his tenure. He encouraged officers entrusted with responsibilities to always strive to leave enduring legacies that would be remembered after their service.
Earlier in his remarks, Commodore Akinbami said the project, which is the Command’s Ratings Mess, is expected to be completed within 90 days. He added that the construction aligns with the Central Naval Command and FOC’s philosophy of prioritizing the welfare of officers and men.
He further disclosed that the Command’s sporting facilities are currently undergoing renovation and are expected to be completed within ten days.
