CLOSING 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 2021 RETREAT HELD AT NAVAL HEADQUARTERS ABUJA FROM 19 – 20 APRIL 2021
1. The contemporary national security challenges have necessitated the need for state security apparatus to continually seek and emplace pragmatic security strategies for the wellbeing of our people. Permit me to start my closing remarks by first commending our erudite resource persons who have enriched our knowledge during this Retreat through the series of lectures and presentations as well as the robust interactive sessions. I believe we all have a better appreciation of our operational challenges and a broader perspective of the application of the Ways, Means and Ends following this series of lectures and presentations. I therefore have no doubt in my mind that the objective of this maiden Retreat under my watch has been realised.
2. Notably, the resolutions arising from the Retreat would provide practical approaches to fill the knowledge gap which upon implementation would prove crucial in the fulfilment of my strategic directives. These resolutions provide amongst others that:
a. NHQ sets up a committee to articulate appropriate staff requirements for the establishment of Campaign Planning Cells at various levels of command.
b. NHQ lobby the grand strategic level of command for the induction of a new frigate into the NN ORBAT to replace NNS ARADU’s role as the Flagship and enhance the war fighting role of the Service.
c. PSOs at NHQ are to ensure timely response to issues raised by commands, units and establishments to facilitate timely delivery on Key Performance Indicators.
d. Operations commands are to emplace robust mechanisms for effective liaison and timely exchange of information to counter contiguous and other fluid threats that transcends their geospatial boundaries.
e. Commanders and their staff officers at all levels are to emplace measures for prudent utilisation of assigned resources in the discharge of their duties as the NN would have zero tolerance for wastages.
I assure you that NHQ would avail the full value of these resolutions by according them prompt endorsement and implementation. In this regard, I urge PSOs, FOCs and commanders at all levels to commence the process of initiating the actualization of all resolutions reached at this Retreat in furtherance of NN operational efficiency.
3. As you return to your respective stations, I wish to remind you all once again that it is ‘Our Navy’ and the task before us at this time is enormous thus requiring all hands to be on deck. I urge you therefore to remain committed to the Performance Bond you have endorsed today. This document would serve as a template for measuring your performance.
4. At this point, let me once again appreciate our esteemed resource persons, moderators and discussants for their efforts and brilliant presentations. I also wish to acknowledge our invited guests for honouring our invitation despite their busy schedule. Finally, I wish to extend my profound admiration to the organising committee led by its chairman Cdre Olanrewaju and also congratulate the CPPLANS for conceiving the idea of this Retreat.
5. Once more, I thank all participants and sincerely wish everyone a safe trip back to their respective destinations. Thank you all. Onward Together and God bless.