OPENING REMARKS BY THE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF VICE ADMIRAL AZ GAMBO AM GSS psc ensp (RSA)MTM MNIN MUSNI FCIS FIIPS FCAI AT THE NIGERIAN NAVY RETREAT HELD AT NAVAL HEADQUARTERS ABUJA FROM 19 – 20 APRIL 2021
PROTOCOL
1. I am indeed delighted to be in your midst today to share my thoughts on this auspicious occasion of the first Nigerian Navy Retreat under my watch as the Chief of the Naval Staff. It is an honour to have the opportunity to exchange ideas with such a great gathering of distinguished personnel. I am convinced that this distinguished audience has the requisite capacity to proffer workable solutions to the strategic and operational challenges facing the Nigerian Navy. On this note, permit me to welcome you all to this all-important Retreat. The theme of the retreat – “Effective Management for Nigerian Navy Operational Efficiency,” is also most auspicious as it will focus the NN on the role of decision-making, feedback mechanism and finance in engendering effective management across all levels of command in the Nigerian Navy.
2. This is germane as effective management always relies on a clear understanding of the task at hand. This will enable Commanders develop efficient ways of achieving ends and minimising risks, while making prudent use of the means allocated for the task. Accordingly, this Retreat intends to remind us all of the critical role played by Campaign Planning in developing our ability to understand the task at hand, plan effectively, employ systematic framework to make smarter operational decisions and minimise operational risks at all levels of Commands in the Service. This will emplace a new regime of effective management and operational efficiency in the Nigerian Navy.
3. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, another important issue to form part of our discourse during this Retreat borders on the need to emplace a robust feed-back mechanism, especially one that promotes accountability across the levels of Command in the Nigerian Navy. In the recent past, the Nigerian Navy has made several attempts at stimulating an effective management regime through the emplacement of a robust feed-back mechanism that requires Commanders at all levels to sign a Performance Bond. In order to reinvigorate this very important feedback enhancement tool towards improving Nigerian Navy operational efficiency, it is necessary that we understand the standard key Performance Indicators for measurement of progress at various strata of the naval decision making process. It is hoped that the discussion would help Commanders appreciate the need for clear understanding of assigned tasks as well as make smarter decisions even in the face of uncertain operational indices.
4. Let me affirm that this Retreat comes at a critical period when the country faces COVID-19 Pandemic challenges with tightened budget restrictions and multifaceted security challenges across the Nation. The moment therefore calls for prudent resource management, innovation, accountability and deep reflection that would engender patriotic re-dedication to Service. Let me reiterate that, notwithstanding the downturn, the present administration is determined to ensure that the Nigerian Navy is well supported to achieve its statutory responsibilities. This is why financial management is considered a key topic to be discussed during the Retreat. This is expected to bring all commanders up to speed on the need for prudent utilisation of resources as the NN under my watch will have zero tolerance for wastages.
5. Distinguished invited Guests, at this juncture, let me acknowledge and appreciate once again all the personalities present here this morning. You are most welcome and I wish us all fruitful deliberations. On this note, it is my singular honour and pleasure to declare the Nigerian Navy Retreat 2021 open. I thank you for your attention.
‘Onward Together’.