The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Admiralty Medal, has commenced a hands-on leadership tour of the Eastern Naval Command, marking his first official visit to the Calabar Area since assuming office.
The two day working visit, which began on Wednesday, 7th January 2026, underscores a renewed focus on operational effectiveness, infrastructure delivery and personnel welfare across one of the Navy’s most strategic theatres.
Arriving at Margaret Ekpo International Airport with senior officers from Naval Headquarters, the naval chief was received by the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral C.D. Okehie. From the airport, Vice Admiral Abbas proceeded directly to the Nigerian Navy Barracks, Atimbo, where he commissioned two newly completed Junior Rates Permanent Accommodation Blocks, Block A and Block B.
The new facilities represent a notable step in improving living standards for personnel and align with the Command’s leadership pillars on welfare and morale.
The visit featured a wide ranging inspection of key naval assets and development projects, including Nigerian Navy Barracks Akim, 1006 Navy Barracks, the Nigerian Navy Hotel and Suites site, the permanent site of the Naval War College Nigeria, Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, the Eastern Fleet and the NNS Victory Jetty. The inspections offered the naval chief a ground level view of infrastructure progress, fleet positioning and operational preparedness within the Command.
At the Headquarters Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Abbas received an operational briefing detailing ongoing activities, security dynamics and logistical challenges. The engagement highlighted the Navy’s emphasis on adaptive strategies and forward leaning leadership as it confronts evolving maritime security risks in the region.
Beyond facilities and operations, the tour reflected a leadership agenda that places personnel welfare at the heart of maritime effectiveness, recognizing that sustained security outcomes depend as much on living conditions as on platforms and patrols.
The Chief of Naval Staff also paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, reinforcing civil-military co-operation in a region central to Nigeria’s maritime economy and security architecture. The engagement concluded with the exchange of souvenirs and group photographs, bringing the visit to a close on a note of institutional partnership and shared responsibility for regional stability.
Overall, the Calabar tour sets an early tone for Vice Admiral Abbas’ tenure, one that blends operational scrutiny with investment in people, signaling a Navy intent on readiness, resilience and reform.
