Navy to establish operational base in Enugu to boost investments, says Ogalla

Emmanuel Ogalla, the chief of naval staff, says an operational base will be established in Enugu to assure investors that the south-east is safe and open for business.

He said the base will be stationed at the Adada river in Uzo Uwani LGA.

Speaking during his visit to Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, on Friday, Ogalla said securing the state’s coastal areas will improve the security of lives and property of the people.

“The Nigerian navy has three primary roles, which are first, the military duties, being the protection of this country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty from the maritime domain. We have policing roles as well as diplomatic roles,” he said. 

“We have noticed that within this role of policing duties, we have not really extended our functions to Enugu State, and we want to do that with your support.

“To this end, we plan to extend our operations to encompass and cover the broader spectrum of Enugu State, knowing that the state has a navigable river around Uzo Uwani. 

“That river used to be a seaport during the colonial era, and it has been abandoned.

“We believe that if we are able to police that area, it will give assurances to investors, who will now invest in the development of that seaway for the benefit of the people of Enugu state.

“Our operations there will be aimed at providing internal security operations both through area surveillance and patrol in such a manner that economic activities can thrive without hindrance.

“So, I want to seek your support as we make this bold initiative towards showing presence within that important seaway.”

On his part, Mbah said his administration is committed to making Enugu the prime destination for investment and tourism, adding that achieving this is dependent on resilient security.

“We know that some of us may be hearing for the first time that Enugu has navigable water because there is this erroneous perception that our state is a landlocked state,” Mbah said. 

“I am very happy that you made that clarification that indeed Enugu state, at some point, provided veritable seaport for this country where goods and persons were moved from our land. 

“So, I am happy the naval chief made the commitment today that the Navy will establish an operational base in Enugu State.

“This is heartwarming for us, as this will support the fight against insecurity in Enugu, especially at that flank of our state.

“I want to assure you, on behalf of the government of Enugu state, that we are going to support you with all that is required to ensure the actualisation of your operational base.”