Asaba, Delta State – In a resounding affirmation of the Nigerian Navy’s indispensable contribution to national security and economic stability, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has warmly praised the Navy for its relentless efforts in safeguarding the country’s maritime domain and protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure. The Governor described the Navy as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s peace and prosperity, particularly in the volatile Niger Delta region.
Welcoming Vice Admiral Abbas and his delegation with characteristic warmth, Governor Oborevwori underscored the symbolic importance of the visit, interpreting it as a clear demonstration of the Navy’s deep commitment to the safety and development of Delta State.
“I am delighted to receive you and your team here in Asaba,” the Governor stated. “Your presence reaffirms the Nigerian Navy’s love and dedication to our state. Delta remains one of the highest oil-producing states in the federation and a major contributor to Nigeria’s revenue. The protection of our maritime domain and national assets would be impossible without the exemplary work of the Nigerian Navy.”
Governor Oborevwori went on to highlight specific achievements of the Navy, including its highly effective anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea, its contributions to regional peacekeeping initiatives, and its integral role in the state’s broader internal security framework. He singled out naval personnel stationed in Delta for praise, commending their professionalism, discipline, and seamless coordination with sister agencies such as the Army, Police, Department of State Services, and civil defence corps.
The Governor was unequivocal in linking the prevailing peace in Delta State directly to this inter-agency harmony. “Security is the bedrock of everything we do,” he emphasized. “In Delta State, I take security very seriously. All security agencies operate as one united family, and that unity is the reason we enjoy relative peace today. Without peace, there can be no development. Major construction giants like Julius Berger, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), and numerous others would not be able to execute multi-billion-naira projects here if the environment were hostile.”
Indeed, the atmosphere of calm has enabled Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda to flourish. Massive infrastructure projects – including three landmark flyovers in Effurun and Warri, the multi-billion-naira storm water drainage projects in Warri and Effurun, and the ongoing dualization of the Ughelli–Asaba expressway (one of the longest road projects in the South-South geo-political zone) – are all proceeding without major disruptions. These developments, the Governor noted, are tangible dividends of the secure environment sustained largely by the vigilance of the Nigerian Navy and its sister agencies.
Looking specifically at the maritime domain, Governor Oborevwori assured the Naval Chief of his administration’s unwavering support for initiatives aimed at securing oil installations, coastal communities, and inland waterways. “Our oil assets are the lifeline of this country,” he declared. “Because of the excellent synergy among security agencies, those assets remain largely secure. Any serious breach in Delta would reverberate across the entire nation. We are holding the fort here on the home front, and we deeply appreciate the commitment and sacrifices of the Nigerian Navy.”
In his response, Vice Admiral Idi Abba Abbas, who only recently assumed office as Chief of the Naval Staff on October 30, explained that the purpose of his maiden operational tour to Delta State was to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of naval units, evaluate operational readiness, identify existing challenges, and fine-tune strategies for the protection of the nation’s critical oil and gas infrastructure.
“Delta State is home to a significant percentage of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon assets,” the CNS observed. “The imperative to keep these assets safe cannot be overstated. My visit is to see firsthand what we are doing well, where adjustments are required, and what operational gaps need to be closed.”
Vice Admiral Abbas, who is no stranger to the terrain having previously served as Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, expressed pleasant surprise at the level of development he observed at naval facilities in the state – developments he attributed directly to the support provided by the Oborevwori administration.
“I returned to some of our bases and noticed remarkable improvements that were not there when I served here previously,” he disclosed. “These enhancements are a direct result of the enabling environment and logistical support provided by Your Excellency. On behalf of the Nigerian Navy, I extend profound gratitude.”
The Naval Chief further noted that the improved security situation along Delta’s waterways had translated into a noticeable uptick in crude oil production – a development with positive implications for Nigeria’s revenue profile and foreign exchange earnings. He, therefore, appealed for sustained collaboration between the state government and the Navy to ensure even greater successes in the future.
“I humbly request Your Excellency’s continued partnership,” Vice Admiral Abbas said. “With your support, we are confident of smooth and effective operations that will further consolidate peace and security in the region.”
The courtesy call ended on a note of mutual commitment, with both leaders pledging to deepen existing cooperation for the overall benefit of Delta State, the wider Niger Delta region, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by top government functionaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Johnson Erijo; Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Lucky Omokri, as well as senior naval officers from the Central Naval Command and Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta.
Analysts say the visit underscores the strategic importance of civil-military relations in sustaining peace in the Niger Delta, especially at a time when global energy dynamics continue to place a premium on Nigeria’s ability to guarantee uninterrupted crude oil supply. For Governor Oborevwori and Vice Admiral Abbas, the message was clear: as long as the Navy and the state government continue to work hand-in-glove, Delta State will remain a safe and prosperous bastion for both its citizens and the nation at large.
