Ndudi Anyim
The Nigeria’s Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo has charged Commanders at all levels in the Nigeria Navy to ensure prudent utilization of resources, warning that the Nigerian Navy under his watch would have zero tolerance for wastages.
Gambo gave the charge during his opening address at the Nigerian Navy 2021 Retreat which held at the New Conference Hall of the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.
Security Watch Africa reports that the theme of the retreat is “Effective Management for Nigerian Navy Operational Efficiency”.
Stating the importance of the retreat, Admiral Gambo averred that it would avail the opportunity for exchange of ideas across the Service and also proffer workable solutions to the strategic and operational challenges facing the Nigerian Navy.
He further noted that the theme of the retreat would most auspiciously focus on the role of the Nigerian Navy in decision making, feedback mechanism and finance in engendering effective management across all levels of command in the Service.
The Chief of the Naval Staff said: “ This is germane as effective management always relies on a clear understanding of the task at hand which would help Commanders to develop efficient ways of achieving ends and minimizing risk.
“ Participants are reminded that the retreat intends to bring to the fore the critical role of campaign planning in developing the ability to understand the task at hand, plan effectively and employ systematic framework to make smarter operational decisions and minimize operational risk at all levels of command within the Service. ”
He added that the discourse during the retreat would also border on feedback mechanism, especially one that promotes accountability across all levels of
Speaking further during the event, Admiral Gambo disclosed that in the past, several attempts have been made by the Nigerian Navy at stimulating an effective management regime through the emplacement of a robust feedback mechanism that requires Commanders at all levels to sign a Performance Bond.
“ This is important to reinvigorate feedback enhancement tools towards improving Nigerian Navy operational efficiency. The retreat is coming at a critical period when the country is faced with the COVID-19 pandemic challenges with tightened budget restrictions and multifaceted security challenges across the nation.
“ The moment therefore calls for prudent management of resources, innovation, accountability and deep reflection that would engender patriotic re-dedication to service. The present administration has promised, notwithstanding the downturn, to position the Nigerian Navy in order to achieve its statutory responsibilities. ”
It was learnt that the retreat is being attended by Principal Staff Officers, Flag Officers Commanding, Commanders of Ships, Units and Establishments as well as other senior officers within the Service.
It is expected to last for two days after which a Performance Bond would be signed by the participants. A communiqué is also expected to be issued at the end of the retreat.