The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for supporting infrastructure development at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance (NNCAF), Owerrinta, describing the partnership as important to effective training, personnel welfare and operational efficiency.

Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele, gave the commendation on Monday, October 26, 2026, during the commissioning of improved internal roads, a resurfaced parade ground, a reconstructed swimming pool and 10 one-bedroom transit accommodation units for junior officers.

He also praised 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.

The naval chief emphasised the need for adequate security arrangements to protect the proposed seaport and its supporting infrastructure. He explained, however, that establishing a naval base in the area would require careful consideration of operational needs, logistics and funding.

Abbas urged the college management to maintain the newly commissioned facilities and charged naval personnel to uphold discipline, accountability and integrity. He stressed that resources entrusted to the Nigerian Navy belonged to the Nigerian people and must be managed responsibly.

Commissioning the projects, Governor Otti commended the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to education, healthcare and community development in Abia State. He expressed hope that the Navy would expand its educational activities in the state to include secondary and vocational institutions.

The governor highlighted the relationship between education and security, noting that investment in human capital development could equip young people with practical skills and reduce their vulnerability to crime.

“We are as interested in education as we are in security because, of a truth, both are intricately connected,” Otti said.

He also praised the college for providing medical outreach services to residents of its host community and neighbouring areas. The governor further acknowledged its partnership with the Abia State Leadership Academy during the 2026 Leadership Training Boot Camp.

Otti urged the Navy to sustain its community service programmes and strengthen cooperation with other security agencies. He assured the institution that his administration would continue supporting security agencies and public establishments serving Abia residents, regardless of where their personnel receive their salaries.

On the proposed Azumini Seaport, the governor welcomed the Navy's willingness to collaborate with the state government and expressed interest in establishing a naval base in the area as part of preparations for the project.

He disclosed that feasibility studies were ongoing and expressed confidence that the proposed seaport would eventually become a reality.

“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.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta, Commodore Babatunde Quadri, thanked Governor Otti and the Chief of the Naval Staff for their contributions to the college's infrastructure development.

Quadri said the projects demonstrated the benefits of institutional cooperation and responsible resource management. He added that the improved roads, parade ground, swimming pool and accommodation would provide a more conducive environment for training, professional development and personnel welfare.

He reaffirmed the college's commitment to producing disciplined, competent and ethically grounded personnel while supporting internal security operations in collaboration with other agencies.

Providing details of the projects, the college's Training Commander, Navy Captain Mohammed Umar, said Governor Otti approved the construction of approximately one kilometre of internal roads in April 2025. Work began in April 2026 and was completed in September 2026.

Umar also disclosed that the Abia State Government supplied asphalt paving equipment, heavy-duty machinery and technical personnel for the resurfacing of the parade ground. The work was completed in the first week of October 2026 following approval and funding by the Chief of the Naval Staff.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Navy Commander Macdonald Uba; and other senior government officials.