Idikio Abbas, Chief of the Naval Staff, has commended Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, for supporting infrastructure development at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance (NNCAF), Owerrinta, describing the partnership between the Abia State Government and the Nigerian Navy as vital to effective training, personnel welfare and operational efficiency.
Abbas gave the commendation on Monday during the commissioning of the college’s improved internal roads, resurfaced parade ground, reconstructed swimming pool and 10 one-bedroom transit accommodation units for junior officers.
Represented by Ebiobowei Zipep, Flag Officer Naval Training, he also commended security agencies for their collaboration in maintaining peace in Abia State, noting that the proposed Azumini Seaport could create opportunities for trade, investment and employment.
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Abbas stressed the importance of adequate security arrangements to protect the proposed project and its supporting infrastructure, while explaining that the establishment of a Naval Base in the area would require careful consideration of operational requirements, logistics and funding.
He urged the college management to maintain the facilities and charged personnel to uphold discipline, accountability and integrity, adding that resources entrusted to the Navy belong to the Nigerian people and must be managed responsibly.
Governor Otti, while commissioning the projects, appreciated the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to education, healthcare and community development in Abia State, and expressed hope that the Navy would expand its educational activities in the state to include secondary and vocational institutions.
Governor Otti noted that education and security are closely linked, adding that, “We are as interested in education as we are in security because, in truth, both are intricately connected.” Otti said.
The governor added that investment in human capital development would equip young people with useful skills and reduce their vulnerability to crime.
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He also commended the college for its medical outreach to residents of the host community and neighbouring communities, as well as its partnership with the Abia State Leadership Academy during the 2026 Leadership Training Boot Camp.
Governor Otti urged the Navy to sustain its community service initiatives and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, assuring that his administration would continue to support security institutions and public establishments serving the people of Abia, irrespective of where their personnel draw their salaries.
On the proposed Azumini Seaport, Governor Otti welcomed the Nigerian Navy’s willingness to collaborate with the state government, expressing interest in establishing a Naval Base in the area as part of preparations for the project.
He disclosed that feasibility studies are ongoing and expressed confidence in its eventual realisation.
“We want to work with you closely to have a Naval Base in Azumini as a preparatory step for the seaport. I can assure you that the seaport will be a reality”, Otti stated.
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Earlier, Babatunde Quadri, Commandant of the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta, expressed appreciation to Governor Otti and the Chief of Naval Staff for their contributions to the college’s infrastructure development.
He said the projects demonstrate the value of institutional cooperation and responsible resource management, noting that the improved roads, parade ground, swimming pool and transit accommodation would create a more conducive environment for training, professional development and personnel welfare.
Quadri reaffirmed the college’s commitment to producing disciplined, competent and ethically grounded personnel while supporting internal security operations in collaboration with other agencies.
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