The Retreat was physically attended by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Primary Staff Officers at NHQ, Flag Officers Commanding (FOCs) and commanders of surgeries bases, while the rest of the NN units, ships and institutions participated virtually through Zoom video conference connection.
The Theme of the Retreat was “Effective Management for Nigerian Navy Operational Efficiency,” with a particular focus on the function of decision-making, feedback mechanism and finance in engendering effective direction across all levels of control from the NN.
The other 2 lectures entitled “Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): A Tool for Informed Strategic Decision Making at the NN” and “NN Strategic Plan 2021 — 2030: Financial Management Imperatives for Ships, Units and Establishments” were presented by Commodores OO Fadeyi and KM Bushi respectively.
He noted that the lectures have been discussed by a Panel, while comments, contributions and clarifications were made by participants in NHQ in addition to virtual participants throughout all levels of command in the NN.
Read also: Gov Emmanuel, Navy lauded for stemming piracy in Akwa Ibom waterways
Thereafter he added flag officers and commanders of operational foundations gave a brief on activities and challenges of the commands with particular emphasis on their tasking and plan of action to the actualisation of the CNS Strategic Directives.
In the conclusion of this 2-day occasion, which was adjudged to be a massive success, some resolutions were reached and adopted, which are hereby outlined in this Communiqué.
It was generally agreed that the Naval Headquarters was to establish Campaign Planning Cells which are to present the use of marine tactical estimates for the conduct of operations across different levels of control to improve NN capability to effectively discharge its inherent functions. Participants also agreed that NHQ is to lobby the Grand Strategic Level of Command for the Acquisition of a new frigate to function as Flagship to substitute the Nigerian Navy Ship ARADU and improve NN Order of Battle.
He said “the escape also agreed that NHQ was to consummate Memoranda of Understanding with Original Equipment Manufacturers like Messrs MTU of both Germany and Messrs Yamaha of Japan to enhance the access to spares for improved platform accessibility to effectively secure Nigeria’s marine domain”
He noted that the Retreat also advocated for the establishment of a ‘Fundamental Maritime Operations Course’ for junior officers and evaluations in the NN to improve human capacity for the behavior of successful maritime operations.
He added that Naval Headquarters also promised to standardise the gear holding of operations commands and bases to enhance the combat readiness and logistics assistance in the NN for enhanced operational effectiveness.
He explained, “Commanders at different levels were also tasked with leverage existing strategic partnerships to enhance their operational readiness and keep continuous liaison with various stakeholders, such as host communities that are crucial to the actualisation of NN aims and objectives”.
Read also: EndSARS crisis: Navy arrests 41 suspected looters, recovers looted items worth over N100m
Commanders were to further guarantee they gather incontrovertible proof of infractions prior to detaining any boat at sea in addition to reinvigorate present mechanics emplaced to ensure proper liaison and timely exchange data to counter contiguous and fluid threats that exceed geospatial boundaries of orders in the NN.
At length, the CNS charged commanders and staff officers at all levels to emplace sufficient steps to ensure prudent utilisation of delegated resources in the discharge of the responsibilities, as the NN beneath his watch could have zero tolerance for wastages, indiscipline and incompetence.
