Otti, Navy Chief Commission Roads, Parade Ground, Quarters In Abia

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for supporting infrastructural development at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance (NNCAF), Owerrinta, describing the partnership as critical to effective training, personnel welfare and operational efficiency.

Abbas gave the commendation on Monday, October 26, 2026, during the commissioning of improved internal roads, a resurfaced parade ground, a reconstructed swimming pool and 10 one-bedroom transit accommodation units for junior officers at the college.

Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele, the naval chief also acknowledged the collaboration among security agencies in maintaining peace in Abia State.

He noted that the proposed Azumini Seaport could stimulate trade, attract investment and create employment opportunities, stressing the need for adequate security to protect the project and its supporting infrastructure.

On the possibility of establishing a naval base in the area, Abbas explained that such a decision would require careful consideration of operational needs, logistics and funding.

He urged the college management to ensure proper maintenance of the newly commissioned facilities, while charging naval personnel to uphold discipline, accountability and integrity in managing public resources.

Commissioning the projects, Governor Otti expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to education, healthcare and community development in Abia State.

The governor also expressed optimism that the Navy would expand its educational activities in the state to include secondary and vocational institutions, noting that education and security were closely interconnected.

“We are as interested in education as we are in security because, of a truth, both are intricately connected,” Otti said.

He explained that investment in human capital development would equip young people with practical skills and reduce their vulnerability to crime.

Otti further commended the college for organising medical outreaches for residents of its host community and neighbouring areas, as well as partnering with the Abia State Leadership Academy during its 2026 Leadership Training Boot Camp.

He urged the Navy to sustain its community service initiatives and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies.

The governor assured the military and other security institutions that his administration would continue to support public establishments serving Abia residents, irrespective of where their personnel draw their salaries.

On the proposed Azumini Seaport, Otti welcomed the Navy’s readiness to collaborate with the state government, expressing interest in establishing a naval base in the area as part of preparations for the port project.

He disclosed that feasibility studies were ongoing and expressed confidence that the proposed seaport would eventually become a reality.

“We want to work with you closely to have a Naval Base in Azumini as a preparatory step for the seaport. I can assure you that the seaport will be a reality,” the governor said.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Commodore Babatunde Quadri, thanked Otti and the Chief of the Naval Staff for their contributions to the college’s infrastructural development.

Quadri said the projects demonstrated the benefits of institutional cooperation and responsible resource management, adding that the improved facilities would provide a more conducive environment for training, professional development and personnel welfare.

He reaffirmed the college’s commitment to producing disciplined, competent and ethically grounded naval personnel while supporting internal security operations in collaboration with other agencies.

Providing details of the projects, the Training Commander of NNCAF, Navy Captain Mohammed Umar, said the approximately one-kilometre stretch of previously unpaved internal roads was approved by Otti in April 2025.

According to him, construction began in April 2026 and was completed in September 2026.

Umar also disclosed that the Abia State Government supplied asphalt-paving equipment, heavy-duty machinery and technical personnel for resurfacing the college’s parade ground.

He said the work was completed in the first week of October 2026, following approval and funding by the Chief of the Naval Staff.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Navy Commander Macdonald Uba; and other senior state government officials.