CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF AWWAL ZUBAIRU GAMBO’S WELCOME REMARKS FOR THE PERMANENT SECRETARY MINISTRY OF DEFENCE FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO NAVAL HEADQUARTERS
PROTOCOL
1. On behalf of the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the NN, I have the honour to once again warmly welcome the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence Mr Musa Istifanus on his maiden visit to the Naval Headquarters following his recent appointment. I am therefore grateful for the Permanent Secretary’s proactive gesture towards making this familiarisation visit in the company of other Directors a reality.
2. Notably, your appointment is coming at a time our dear country is faced with various security and economic challenges in both the nation’s maritime domain and the hinterland. Mr President’s endorsement of your appointment is thus a fitting recognition of your unique qualities and ability to contribute towards the ongoing reinvigoration of the nation’s defence and security architecture. I am particularly pleased to acknowledge the important role of the Permanent Secretary especially as the Chief Accounting Officer in the Ministry as well as being responsible for liaison between Departments including processing of the requirements of the Services.
3. The brief on the operational activities of the NN will highlight the efforts of the NN in pursuit of her constitutional mandate of maritime defence, safeguard of the nation’s offshore resources including other constabulary functions. Notably, these operational imperatives have guided NN’s budgeting and procurement efforts. The ability of the NN to avail itself of these management functions has been made possible by the support from the Permanent Secretary’s office. It therefore goes without saying that the contributions of the Permanent Secretary’s office in terms of prompt attention to NN requests have been instrumental to the successes recorded by the NN in securing the nation’s ME.
4. On this note, I most sincerely thank the Permanent Secretary and his entourage. I trust that today’s familiarisation visit will further strengthen the existing cordial working relationship between the NN and Permanent Secretary’s Office. May I also seize this opportunity to request the Permanent Secretary’s continued support to the NN. Thank you, God bless and Onward Together.