The Nigerian Navy made a big haul last week in Rivers State when they bagged a whopping N350m donation from Governor Sim Fubara.

The Navy paid a visit and got the amount to support the continuing infrastructure development and operationalisation of the training command in the state.

The Navy got a training facility in the state built by the state government and now the governor added N350m to further develop it and operationalise it.

The governor said: “Let me thank all who have contributed to the realisation of this important project in this community as I reaffirm the special bond Rivers State has with the Nigerian Navy, and the shared commitment to advancing the peace, security and well-being of our state, people, and the nation.”

Governor Fubara urged the Navy to ensure that its investment in the professional development of naval personnel translated into visible advancement in the security and prosperity of the nation’s maritime interests and blue economy.

Fubara gave the charge shortly after inaugurating the new headquarters of the Naval Training Command in Ebubu community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State last Friday.

The governor noted that the event completed a development journey that started in April, 2023.

That was when his predecessor graciously ceded the dilapidated structures of the abandoned former Ambassador Nne Krukrubo Model Government Secondary School to the Nigerian Navy for use.

He said: “Today, we have seen the results of that noble and progressive decision with the comprehensive transformation and upgrading of the facilities as the Nigerian Navy’s new headquarters training command, which was hitherto domiciled in Lagos State.

“This magnificent training command stands as a testament to the commitment of the leadership of the Nigerian Navy to invest in the professional development of our naval personnel with the singular objective of cultivating a highly skilled, proficient and motivated naval force capable of advancing the security and prosperity of the nation’s maritime interests.”

The governor emphasised the need to protect the riverine areas of Rivers State and the hydrocarbon industry.

“This is why we will continue to provide tangible support and work together with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies,” he said.

In his speech, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, lamented that Nigeria loses an estimated 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day to theft, giving the Nigerian Navy a challenge to rise up to its mandate of contributing to the survival of the national economy.

He said: “Unfortunately, it is estimated that Nigeria loses over 300,000 barrels of crude oil daily to oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of criminality. This has led to revenue losses estimated at N1.29trillion annually.”

On his part, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, thanked the Rivers State Government for the donation of the entire complex to demonstrate the existing cordial relationship between the Nigerian Navy and Rivers State.