The Director of Navy Affairs at the Ministry of Defence, Mr Joel Adeoye, has expressed concern over the “increasing rate of voluntary retirements” in the Nigerian Navy, linking the trend to welfare-related challenges.
Adeoye, who spoke on Wednesday during a high-level visit to the Headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command in Calabar, stressed that improving living conditions was key to retaining experienced sailors. He was accompanied by the Deputy Director of Navy Logistics, Mr Kola Aragbaye, on the familiarisation visit to assess the command’s operations and strategic needs.Nigerian Navy memorabilia
During a briefing with the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral K.C. Ezete, and his principal officers, Adeoye identified personnel welfare as an urgent area requiring attention. He called for improved accommodation for naval personnel and their families, better transportation facilities to aid mobility and operations, and enhanced healthcare services to guarantee the well-being of serving members.
Beyond welfare, Adeoye also highlighted inadequate operational equipment and significant budgetary constraints as major impediments to the Navy’s effectiveness in securing the nation’s maritime domain.Family vacation packages
Despite these challenges, he commended the Chief of the Naval Staff for the ongoing infrastructure development projects and assured Rear Admiral Ezete that the Ministry of Defence was committed to providing “necessary support in critical areas of need.”
In his response, Rear Admiral Ezete thanked the Director for his frank observations and commendations. He welcomed the ministry’s commitment and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the Navy’s pressing challenges.
The visit ended with the traditional exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph, symbolising the continued partnership between the Ministry of Defence and the Eastern Naval Command.
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