The Nigerian Navy witnessed a historic transition on Thursday 30th October 2025, as Rear Admiral Idi Abbas officially assumed command as the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff, pledging to lead with integrity, fairness and an unflinching commitment to national service.
Speaking during his assumption of command ceremony, Rear Admiral Abbas expressed deep gratitude to President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in him to lead the Nigerian Navy at a critical period in the nation’s maritime history. He described his appointment as a profound honour and a solemn responsibility, whilst promising to uphold the Navy’s proud traditions of excellence and service to the nation.
Rear Admiral Abbas paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, whom he praised for his visionary leadership and the solid foundation laid for the service. He noted that Ogalla’s tenure left behind a legacy of discipline, humility and dedication that would serve as a springboard for further achievements.
While commending officers, ratings and civilian personnel of the Navy for their courage and professionalism, the new Naval Chief highlighted ongoing threats to Nigeria’s maritime environment, including crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, drug trafficking and unregulated fishing. He described these challenges as major impediments to national economic growth, energy security and coastal livelihood.
To address these concerns, Rear Admiral Abbas unveiled a clear strategic roadmap anchored on strengthening maritime security, enhancing fleet capability through aggressive renewal and technology adoption, prioritizing training and welfare and deepening inter-agency and international cooperation.
He emphasized the importance of joint operations with sister services and collaboration with security agencies to combat persistent threats in Nigeria’s waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
Reaffirming his commitment to the core values of Integrity, Professionalism and Teamwork, the Naval Chief called on all personnel to rededicate themselves to service excellence. He pledged to lead from the front, listen to his subordinates and prioritize their welfare as a central pillar of his administration.
He stated that the maritime domain is the lifeline of the Nigerian economy and as such, the Nigerian Navy is fully committed to safeguarding it for national prosperity.
He gave an assurance of the Navy working tirelessly to ensure that the waters remain safe for legitimate commerce and the sustainable development of the blue economy.
Rear Admiral Abbas concluded by calling for unity, cooperation and renewed dedication across the ranks, assuring that with the support of President Tinubu and the Nigerian people, the Navy will chart a new course toward a more secure and prosperous maritime future.
