NIGERIA, UYO – A new naval base is set to rise in the Ibeno axis of Akwa Ibom State following a courtesy visit by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to Governor Umo Bassey Eno in Uyo on Tuesday. The move aims to reinforce maritime security and protect critical national assets concentrated along the state’s coastline.
Vice Admiral Abbas, who briefed the Governor during the visit, said he came to the State as part of an operational tour of units under the Eastern Naval Command. He noted that the tour would give him “first-hand information” about existing operations and allow him to appreciate the support the Navy has received from the State Government.
The Naval Chief, recently appointed by the President, told the Governor that Akwa Ibom is an essential operational hub because “most of the critical national assets are in the State,” adding that the Navy is committed to continued collaboration to secure maritime infrastructure.
Abbas said he had been informed of the proposed Ibeno naval base and expressed the Navy’s readiness to proceed once the State provides the required documentation. He explained that “if we have an LOP, outpost or a base in Ibeno, we will appreciate it,” stressing that security is a shared responsibility and the Navy needs additional support to expand its presence.
Governor Eno, responding to the briefing, commended Abbas on his appointment and thanked the President for selecting someone he described as “forthright and professional” to lead the naval hierarchy. He said the timing of the appointment aligns with the growing need to intensify the protection of maritime assets nationwide.
The Governor assured the Naval Chief that the State will issue the Certificate of Occupancy for the new base “immediately,” describing the project as timely and strategic. He emphasized that his administration places high priority on security and will continue to partner with the Navy and other agencies to sustain peace.
Eno said in a statement on his Facebook page that he reiterated the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation, noting that the State has supported naval operations through infrastructure and logistics, including gunboats and other security equipment. He added that the State’s support reflects a deliberate plan to fortify the broader security architecture.
The Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, also confirmed that the naval base proposal was central to the discussions between the two leaders. He noted that the visit allowed Abbas to “pay homage and respect” to the Governor before touring naval units in the State, a gesture he said demonstrated institutional courtesy and strategic cooperation.
Eno informed the visiting Naval Chief that one of the major contracts recently signed by the State Government involves the construction of a passenger ferry by the Nigerian Navy. He said the vessel is being built for the Marine Jetty and other rehabilitation facilities in Oron, reflecting continued collaboration between the State and the military.
The Governor further explained that security remains a cornerstone of his administration, which led to the creation of the Ministry of Internal Security, headed by retired General Koko Essien. He noted that the ministry works with security agencies to strengthen the State’s peace framework.
He expressed appreciation to all security agencies for their roles in maintaining peace, assuring Abbas that his government operates an all-inclusive model where women, youths and retired military officers “play major roles” in governance and community engagement.
Eno stressed that the State will continue to back initiatives aimed at improving maritime surveillance, boosting economic activities along coastal communities and protecting investments in the oil and gas belt.
The Naval Chief, in turn, praised the State’s “consistent support” and said the Navy values Akwa Ibom as a major host of national oil and gas facilities. He pledged to strengthen cooperation as the Navy enhances its operations in the region.
The establishment of the Ibeno naval base, once the Certificate of Occupancy is issued, is expected to deepen Nigeria’s maritime security capacity and support the protection of offshore and onshore assets that drive national revenue.