Onne (Rivers), Nov. 24, 2023 -The Federal Government has commended the Nigeria Nay for the rising crude oil production in the country.
Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, made the commendation on Friday during the inauguration of Chief of Naval Staff Annual Sea Inspection exercise codenamed ‘Exercise Nchekwa Oshimiri 2023’ in Onne, Rivers.
He said that regular patrols of the nation’s waters and several special exercises such as Exercise Nchekwa Oshimiri (security of the waters) enabled the navy to reduce oil theft in the region.
“I am aware of other operations and robust efforts through patrols and surveillance that is aimed for economic prosperity and national development.
“These activities have led to the drastic reduction of maritime crimes leading to improved economic activities.
“Crude oil production has increased in recent times, which is a testament of the effectiveness of the navy operations.
“Exercise Nchekwa Oshimiri is one of the several Nigeria Navy efforts at ensuring that the maritime domain is safe for commerce and economic activities for national prosperity.
“The operational activities of the navy within the last months under the leadership of the current Chief of Naval Staff has recorded varying degrees of success.
“This exercise will further bolster the existing operations towards enhancing security in our waters,” he added.
Matawalle said the Federal Government through his ministry would provide maximum support to the navy to enable it carryout its mandate.
Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), described the four-day sea inspection as an annual exercise to assessed the operational capabilities of the navy fleet.
According to him, the exercise will feature 13 warships, 88 gunboats, two helicopters and two detachments of the navy’s Special Boat Service, equivalent to United States Navy Seals. (GBN)
