The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo on Saturday said prosperity of nations particularly littorals are inextricably linked to the huge resources derived from the maritime environment.
Gambo said this at the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review, organized in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The CNS added that any impediment within the environment due to unavailability of a prepared naval fleet, would have undesirable consequences on economic survival of nations.
“It is with utmost gratitude and great sense of humility that I welcome the Special Guest of Honour, your excellencies, distinguished invited guests, our esteemed international partners and friends to this historic event of the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review, organized in honour of our dear President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic.
“Please permit me to again apologize for our sudden change in dates for this event, which was due to circumstances beyond control. We sincerely regret all inconveniences caused by the sudden change.
“However, I am indeed glad that you made it and on behalf of officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Nigerian Navy, we are delighted for honouring our invitation despite your very busy official and personal engagements.
“Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, prosperity of nations particularly littorals are inextricably linked to the huge resources derived from the maritime environment.
“As such, any impediment within the environment due to unavailability of a prepared naval fleet, would have undesirable consequences on economic survival of nations.
“These amongst others, are compelling reasons to further explore and unwrap formidable factors that can guarantee a prepared naval fleet poised to ameliorate maritime insecurity for prosperity.
“Certainly, it is envisaged that this maritime discourse would provide a platform to collectively interrogate and highlight components of Naval Fleet readiness and how these components could be sequenced to deliver Nigerian Navy operational objectives for enhanced national prosperity.
“It is against this backdrop, that the theme for the Presidential Fleet Review, “Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity”, was conceptualized to support this strategic level initiative and to emphasize essence of a ready and responsive naval fleet as well as its contributions towards attainment of national prosperity.
“A critical consideration of this concept is derived from interactions of the triune factors of the Man, representing the crew; the Machine, representing the various platforms and the Process, which encapsulates doctrine, policy and strategy.
“In order to put the foregoing imperatives into practical contexts, the theme was sub-divided into 4 areas; Doctrine/work up, Logistics Support, Fleet Maintenance and Crew Preparedness.
“I am certain that unbundling the theme at this discourse would assist in deriving benefits of this all-important interaction, which is to project Nigerian Navy’s current and future efforts to consolidate a robust fleet that is ever ready to carry out its constitutional mandate and implied tasks, in conjunction with other government agencies, maritime stakeholders, allies and partners for the achievement of national prosperity.
“In this regard, it is pertinent to state that the Nigerian Navy has achieved several commendable milestones within the last 8 years, ranging from recapitalization and strengthening collaborative efforts with national and international stakeholders.
“These could not have been possible without the tremendous backing of Mr President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic.
“Sir, the Nigerian Navy is indebted for this unprecedented support. Therefore, we could not miss the opportunity to organize this Presidential Fleet Review in his honour, even as his administration draws the curtain in few days.
“I also want to seize this opportunity to express sincere gratitude to our Special Guest of Honour, the Honourable Minister for Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd) for gracing this occasion. Your revered presence in this discourse will add great value to the expected output.
“Thank you, Sir. Your Excellencies, distinguished invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, building and sustaining a ready fleet is exactly the focus of this Maritime Discourse,” he said.
I therefore implore us to go beyond the periphery and cut deep into the subject matter.
On this note, I once again, welcome you all to the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review Maritime Discourse. I wish us all a fruitful engagement. Thank you, God Bless and Onward Together!
