The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, on Friday inaugurated some projects at NNS Jubilee, Ikot Abasi where he renewed the Navy’s commitment to improve maritime security in the nation’s waterways.
Gambo, who was on facility tour of NNS Jubilee inaugurated the vehicles and outboard engine maintenance workshop and the newly constructed Uta Ewa outpost to beef up security in the maritime environment.
He commended the Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Olubode Fazaz, for his foresight in ensuring the completion of the projects.
Gambo, who later paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), Mr Dimitriy Zaviyalov, in his office said that the Nigerian Navy would continue to support the company in protecting their facilities.
The Naval boss commended the management of the company for the existing cordial relationship and support given to the NNS Jubilee, especially, in the areas of accommodation and other logistics.
He assured the management of ALSCON that the Navy would pay attention to their request of surveying the ALSCON Harbour Jetty facility.
“I want to appreciate the existing relationship between your company and the Navy. You have been very supportive of the Navy, particularly NNS Jubilee in the areas of accommodation and other logistics.
“I am aware of the request you have sent to the Naval Headquarters for the survey of the ALSCON and harbour jetty facility here.
“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Navy has the state-of-the-art hydro graphic vessel which is currently undergoing the survey and charting of the offshore waters.
“I want to assure you that the vessel will finish the survey very soon and after that we will schedule it to carry out your request.l
“I want to assure you that the security of the harbour will be improved upon with the inauguration of the outpost, so that you can start production very soon to enhance development and employment of our youths.
“I can assure you that our presence there will assist legitimate businesses and improve economic activities.
“Together, we will make sure the youth are gainfully employed in the company when you start operation because it will impact directly on human security,” Gambo said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of ALSCON, Mr Dimitriy Zaviyalov, who spoke through an interpreter said that the company had shut down operations since 2014, due to inadequate supply of gas to the plant.
Zaviyalov, however, said that arrangements had been concluded to ensure that the company gets supply of gas to resume production soon.
He commended the CNS and his team for the visit and support given to ALSCON in the area security of their facility.
“Sometimes in 2014, as a company we were compelled to shut down production activities because of inadequate gas supply to the plant. So, since then, we have been negotiating and seeking on how to get gas supply to the plant.
“Fortunately, we have gone quite far in our quest for gas, we hope that by 2023 we will begin preparations to start up production. We are at the last stage of negotiation to restore gas supply back to the plant,” Zaviyalov said.
He said that as a corporate entity, the company’s intention was to start up production so that those who were laid off could be call back to work.
He commended the cordial relationship existing between the two organisations and promised that the company would continue to extend their hands of friendship the Navy.
In attendance during the inauguration of projects and visit were; the Flag Officer commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu; the Commander NNS Jubilee, Commodore Olubode Fazaz and other senior naval officers.
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