Senate Committee on Navy’s Oversight in Rivers: A Commitment to Maritime Security and Welfare
By John Adenekan
Port Harcourt, Rivers State
The Senate Committee on Navy, under the diligent leadership of Senator Otunba Engr. Gbenga Daniel, has concluded an impactful three-day oversight visit to various naval formations across Rivers State. From July 23rd to 25th, 2025, the committee meticulously assessed the operational readiness, challenges, and welfare initiatives of the Nigerian Navy in a region crucial to Nigeria’s maritime security and economic prosperity.
The visit underscored the Senate’s commitment to ensuring the Nigerian Navy is adequately equipped and supported to fulfill its multifaceted mandate. Senator Daniel, since his appointment as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy in August 2023, has consistently advocated for robust naval support.
On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Senate Committee from Abuja was received the Port Harcourt International Airport by the commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore CN Aniaku. The oversight then commenced immediately at the Headquarters of NNS Pathfinder in Port Harcourt. The committee, including Senators Khalid Ibrahim, Patrick Ndubueze, Cyril Fasuyi, and Tony Nwoye, received detailed briefings on the command’s activities, achievements, and the array of challenges it faces. Discussions revolved around the ongoing fight against crude oil theft, piracy, and other illicit maritime activities that plague the Niger Delta.
Recent reports indicate that the Nigerian Navy, particularly through operations like “Operation Delta Sanity II,” has made significant strides in combating crude oil theft, with over 103 illegal refinery sites destroyed and 34 suspects arrested since January 2025, alongside the recovery of large quantities of stolen crude and refined products. These efforts are crucial, as illegal bunkering continues to pose a major threat to the nation’s economy.
The delegation then moved to Navy Shipyard Ltd, a key naval agency led by Rear Adm. EE Ebe and responsible for vessel construction and maintenance. This visit highlighted the importance of local capacity development in maritime engineering and logistics, essential for the long-term sustainability and independence of naval operations.
A notable aspect of the first day was the interaction with the management of the Nigerian Navy Secondary School and the Naval Medical Centre in Borokiri. These institutions exemplify the Navy’s broader societal impact, extending essential services like education and healthcare to civilians in their host communities. The Navy’s commitment to civil-military relations was recently demonstrated through free medical rhapsodies, benefiting over 1,500 individuals in Rivers State as part of the 2025 Navy Week celebrations. Senator Daniel lauded these initiatives, promising legislative support to enhance their services.
Thursday, July 24, 2025, marked the continuation of the committee’s rigorous assessment, beginning at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) in Ebubu-Eleme. Rear Admiral R.O. Obeya, Flag Officer Commanding, and Rear Admiral H.S. Zego, Commandant of the Nigerian Navy College, received the delegation. Briefings here focused on the rigorous training protocols and academic programs designed to equip naval personnel with the necessary skills to address contemporary maritime security challenges. The Senate acknowledged their achievements and requests, promising to address institutional concerns that could hinder optimal performance.
The committee then visited the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, where naval recruits undergo fundamental training. The Commandant, Rear Admiral V.D. Choji, provided insights into the training curriculum, and the committee was conducted on a tour to observe the state of infrastructure.
A brief stop at the Naval Medical Centre co-located within NNBTS further reinforced the Navy’s commitment to personnel welfare.
A significant leg of Day 2 involved a “brave trip by sea” aboard NNS Badagry to Bonny Island to inspect the Naval Forward Operating Base (FOB). Navy Capt. Emmanuel Fingesi received the team, briefing them on the FOB’s operational exploits and challenges in securing the strategic waterways around Bonny. The Bonny FOB plays a critical role in maritime surveillance and interdiction in a sensitive economic zone. Senator Daniel commended the base’s operational discipline and assured them of legislative attention to their needs.
The delegation returned to Port Harcourt, concluding an eventful day. Senators Khalid Ibrahim, Tony Nwoye, Kelvin Chukwu, and Okey Ezea were part of the day’s entourage.
The commandant of the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic School, Port Harcourt, Capt. OS Giwa, led his team to present their briefing before the departure of the Senate Committee on Friday.
Across all visited formations, common themes emerged, primarily related to the challenges of insufficient funding, the need for modern infrastructure, and the continuous maintenance of naval platforms. Despite these, the Nigerian Navy in Rivers State has demonstrated significant achievements in combating maritime criminality, particularly illegal refining and crude oil theft. Their efforts, bolstered by modern surveillance systems like the Falcon Eye and Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity Systems, have contributed to a significant reduction in piracy incidents and improved legitimate shipping activities, contributing to Nigeria’s maintained “zero-piracy” status by the International Maritime Bureau.
Senator Daniel, on behalf of the committee, consistently commended the leadership and personnel of the various formations for their dedication and achievements. He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to prompt legislative actions to address the challenges identified, which are crucial for optimizing the Navy’s operations. The Rivers State Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with security agencies, emphasizing the critical role of modern technology in safeguarding national assets and promoting economic growth.
The successful conclusion of this oversight visit signifies a vital step in strengthening the synergy between the legislative arm and the Nigerian Navy. The insights gained will undoubtedly inform future policy decisions and budgetary allocations, aiming to further enhance the Navy’s capabilities in fulfilling its mandate of securing Nigeria’s vital maritime domain and ensuring the safety and development of its coastal communities. Read More
