Nigerian Navy has reiterated its commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial waters for economic prosperity in line with its zero tolerance to maritime illegalities.

Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, gave the assurance at the graduation ceremony of Senior Officers Course at Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Quorra, Apapa, Lagos.

No fewer than 22 officers of the rank of captains and commanders graduated from the four-week Command Level Officers’ Course.

Represented by Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Ibas said that he was delighted to be in the graduation ceremony.

Ibas said his mission statement clearly spelt out the need for well trained organised and highly motivated personnel to fulfil the navy constitutional roles.

He said to achieve this role, the navy need professional and efficient manpower to defence the country, promote its economic prosperity and well being of the citizens.

The CNS said this was why Human Resource Management and Administration in the CNS’ Strategic Directive 2015-1, was ordered to achieve the objectives.

Ibas said training must be continually reinvigorated through deliberate innovations to achieve our desired goals.

The CNS said Nigerians and President Muhammadu Buhari had ensured that the navy was well resourced within the limit of available funds bearing in mind contending national needs and priorities.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed, in his remarks, said the course was a result of deep introspection.
Mohammed congratulated the graduating officers, and enjoined them to continue to be good ambassadors of the service.

The Commandant, NNS Quorra, Commodore Francis Isaac, in a welcome address, said the objective of the course was to prepare nominated officers for command level responsibilities.

The Course Director, Capt. Livingstone Izu, said the course was designed to acquaint participants with sufficient knowledge on the structures and management process of activities in the navy.

Izu added that the course was designed to acquaint participants with higher level strategies, plans, policies and directives that provide current direction for operations and management of the navy.

Present at the graduation were senior officers both serving and retired, family members of the participant, among others.