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The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla has announced new policy initiatives at the 2024 Nigerian Navy Accounts and Budget Seminar. Held at the Naval Dockyard Limited Conference Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos, the seminar’s theme, “Optimizing NN Non-Public Fund Opportunities in Dynamic Economic Environment: NN Personnel Welfare in Focus,” highlighted the Navy’s commitment to enhancing personnel welfare through innovative funding strategies.
Vice Admiral Ogalla, who was represented by Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Joseph Akpan emphasized that optimizing non-public funds is crucial for improving the welfare of naval personnel, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. “The welfare of our personnel is fundamental to our operational success,” Ogalla stated. “By leveraging non-public funds, we aim to improve living standards, retain skilled personnel, and ensure a resilient and capable naval force.”
The CNS underscored the need for transparency and accountability in managing non-public funds. “We must ensure that these funds are managed effectively to meet the evolving needs of our personnel,” Ogalla remarked. “Continuous evaluation and transparency are essential to this process.”
The Nigerian Navy will expand its welfare schemes, including the Navy insurance, car refurbishing loan, and welfare loan schemes managed by the Directorate of Non-Public Funds. “We are committed to enhancing these initiatives to provide better support for our personnel and their families,” Ogalla said.
The CNS called for innovative strategies to generate funds independently from government budgetary allocations. “With shrinking government budgets, it is imperative that we look inward to develop alternative funding sources,” Ogalla noted. “This will enable us to better support our personnel and ensure operational effectiveness.”
The Navy will continue to support the families of naval personnel through the Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) and the Ratings Wives Association. “These organizations play a crucial role in providing support to the families of our personnel, especially those who have fallen in the line of duty,” Ogalla emphasized.
The CNS highlighted ongoing efforts to improve housing and other welfare aspects for naval personnel. “Over 300 new housing units have been provided, and various palliatives have been given to our personnel,” Ogalla stated. “These initiatives are part of our broader strategy to improve the living standards and well-being of our naval force.”
The Navy is also focused on preparing personnel for retirement and ensuring their well-being post-service. “Recent increases in pension rates and other benefits reflect our commitment to supporting our retirees,” Ogalla remarked. “We will continue to develop policies that ensure the welfare of both serving and retired personnel.”
Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and for prioritizing the welfare of Armed Forces personnel. “The President’s approval of a 20% increase in pension rates is a testament to his commitment to our welfare,” Ogalla said. “We are grateful for his guidance and support.”
The seminar, attended by top members of the Armed Forces accounts and budget departments, senior military officers, financial institutions, and personnel from the Nigerian Navy’s Accounts and Budget Branch, marks a significant step towards optimizing non-public funds for personnel welfare. The discussions and lectures are expected to yield actionable insights and innovative solutions to enhance the Navy’s operational effectiveness and the well-being of its personnel.
Rear Admiral Joseph Akpan concluded the policy statement on behalf of Vice Admiral Ogalla, reaffirming the Navy’s dedication to its personnel and the nation. “We will continue to prioritize the welfare of our personnel, ensuring a capable and resilient naval force ready to protect our maritime environment and contribute to our nation’s economic prosperity,”.
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