The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his massive support for infrastructural development at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance (NNCAF), Owerrinta.
Abbas gave the commendation on Monday at the commissioning of the college’s upgraded facilities — including improved internal roads, resurfaced parade ground, reconstructed swimming pool and 10 one-bedroom transit accommodation units for junior officers.
Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele, the Naval Chief described the partnership between Abia Government and the Navy as vital to training, personnel welfare and operational efficiency.
He also lauded security agencies for maintaining peace in Abia and stressed that the proposed Azumini Seaport could create huge opportunities for trade, investment and employment, noting the need for adequate security and a possible naval base in the area.
“The establishment of a naval base in the area would require careful consideration of operational requirements, logistics and funding,” Abbas noted.
He charged personnel to uphold discipline, accountability and integrity.
Commissioning the projects, Governor Otti thanked the Navy for its contributions to education, healthcare and community development in Abia, including medical outreaches and partnership with Abia State Leadership Academy.
“We are as interested in education as we are in security because, of a truth, both are intricately connected,” Otti said, adding that investing in human capital will reduce vulnerability to crime.
On Azumini Seaport, Otti declared:
“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 Training Commander, Navy Captain Mohammed Umar, disclosed that the approximately one-kilometre internal road was approved by Otti in April 2025, construction began April 2026 and was completed September 2026. The parade ground was resurfaced in first week of October 2026 with state government equipment and funding from the Chief of Naval Staff.
Dignitaries at the event included Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and Security Adviser, Navy Commander Macdonald Uba (rtd).
