The Nigerian Navy on Friday commissioned three landmark projects in Lagos, signaling a renewed push to improve personnel welfare, modernise infrastructure and tackle long standing accommodation challenges within the Service.
The projects, unveiled at Navy Town in Ojo during activities marking the 70th Anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, include a 48 unit one bedroom accommodation block for junior ratings, a newly completed 16 unit two bedroom apartment complex for senior ratings and the Dolphin Golf Club House.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, described the projects as visible evidence of the Navy’s transformation from a modest force into a modern maritime institution focused on operational efficiency and personnel wellbeing.
He said the projects were designed not only to strengthen support infrastructure but also to create a more conducive environment for officers, ratings and their families across naval formations.
Abbas noted that the commissioning ceremony formed a key part of the Navy Week celebrations and reflected the Service’s commitment to sustaining investment in welfare and institutional development.
The naval chief disclosed that one of the flagship projects, the 48 unit accommodation block for junior ratings, had remained abandoned for more than five years before his intervention revived construction works.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy would continue to prioritise the completion of viable abandoned projects to ensure personnel benefit from resources already committed to infrastructural development.
He assured officers, ratings and civilian staff that several previously stalled projects across naval commands nationwide would soon be completed under what he described as a deliberate and prudent policy direction.
Abbas also described the newly commissioned Dolphin Golf Club House as more than a recreational centre, stressing that the facility would strengthen professional interaction and deepen relationships among serving personnel, veterans and strategic partners.
He explained that the clubhouse would serve as a hub for social engagement, relaxation and institutional bonding within the wider naval community for many years ahead.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, however, warned that infrastructure development must not end with commissioning ceremonies, insisting that maintenance culture remained critical to preserving public investments.
He urged personnel and facility managers to ensure proper upkeep of the buildings while also adopting prudent electricity consumption habits to reduce waste and sustain efficiency.
Abbas used the occasion to express appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as unwavering support towards the growth and modernisation of the Nigerian Navy.
He also commended contractors, engineers, project teams and workers whose professionalism and dedication ensured the timely completion of the projects.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship WEY, Commodore Mohammed Alhassan, said the projects were initiated to address accommodation shortages affecting naval personnel in Lagos, regarded as the cradle of the Nigerian Navy.
Alhassan disclosed that the 48 unit residential facility was designed as a four storey structure to provide safe and comfortable housing capable of boosting morale, productivity and operational effectiveness among junior ratings.
He revealed that although the project was awarded before Abbas assumed office, it was abandoned for about five years until the naval chief directed its immediate completion after assuming leadership of the Service.
According to him, construction resumed in March 2026 after documentation processes were concluded, while the project was eventually completed within approximately eight weeks through what he described as effective planning and commitment.
The commander further explained that the structure was built on a complex cellular raft foundation system to guarantee durability, structural stability and long term safety for occupants.
On the Dolphin Golf Club House, Alhassan said the modern two storey facility contains a reception area, lounges, changing rooms, offices, bar, kitchen, landscaped surroundings and a large interlocked car park.
He added that although the recreational project commenced in July 2025 with a projected completion date of July 2026, it was delivered two months ahead of schedule due to efficient project execution.
Alhassan also highlighted the completion of the 16 unit two bedroom flats for senior ratings, noting that the building had remained unusable for years because external works and supporting infrastructure were never completed.
He disclosed that the project site was severely waterlogged and required extensive engineering interventions, including the deployment of pile foundation technology to guarantee structural safety and durability.
The naval officer stated that the completion of the housing estate and supporting infrastructure within 12 weeks would significantly improve living conditions for senior ratings and their families.
In his vote of thanks, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, praised Abbas for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to personnel welfare across the Nigerian Navy.
Mustapha said the newly commissioned projects symbolised comfort, unity and motivation for naval personnel, assuring that the Western Naval Command would ensure proper maintenance and sustainable use of the facilities for future generations.