The new Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla has pledged to ensure a safer maritime domain as he assumed office as the 22nd indigenous naval chief.
Ogalla took over the leadership of the Navy from Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, who had been in command since January 2021.
The new naval chief thanked God for the privilege and pledged to ensure that the Nigerian Navy sustains the aspiration of being the best. He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, pledging unwavering commitment to the security and prosperity of the nation in line with the vision of the President.
Ogalla, who expressed his commitment to serve Nigeria with utmost dedication and integrity, said the navy under his predecessor had made remarkable strides in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, protecting national interests and contributing to regional peace and stability. “Most auspiciously are the fleet recapitalisation efforts culminating in the hosting of a Presidential Fleet Review.”
The new CNS solicited the cooperation of all personnel in ensuring the success of the navy and upholding the highest standard of professionalism, integrity and dedication to duties.
He, however, said the task ahead was still challenging, as Nigeria still faced significant challenges such as crude oil theft, illegal refineries and unregulated fishing, piracy, sea robbery, various forms of trafficking and other maritime crimes.
According to him, these are not just threats to maritime security, but also to Nigeria’s economic stability and development.
“We are committed to tackling these security challenges head-on and we will intensify our efforts to curb crude oil theft and put an end to illegal refining. We will enhance our capabilities to combat piracy and sea robbery and ensure the general safety of our maritime domain,” he said.