Akpan Umoh, Uyo
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, on Friday inaugurated some projects at NNS Jubilee, Ikot Abasi and renewed the navy’s commitment to improving maritime security in Nigeria’s waterways.
Gambo, who was on a 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.
The Chief of the Naval Staff commended the Commander NNS Jubilee, Commodore Olubode Fazaz, for their 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 the Nigerian Navy would continue to support the ALSCON in the area of protection of their facilities.
The Naval chief commended the management of ALSCON for the existing cordial relationship and support given to the NNS Jubilee, especially in the area of accommodation and other logistics.
He assured the management of ALSCON that the navy would give 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 area of accommodation and other logistics.
“I am aware of the request you have sent to the Naval Headquarters for the survey for the ALSCON and harbour jetty facility here.
“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Navy has a state-of-the-art hydrographic vessel which is currently undergoing the survey and charting of the offshore waters.
“I want to assure you that the vessel would finish the survey very soon and after that, we will schedule for it to carry out your request.
“I want to assure that the security of the harbour which we are going to improve with the inauguration of the outpost so that you will start production very soon to enhance the development and employment of our youths
“I can assure you that our presence there would 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 impacts directly on human security,” Gambo said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of ALSCON, Mr Dimitriy Zaviyalov, who spoke through an interpreter said the company had shut down operations since 2014 caused by an inadequate supply of gas to the plant.
Zaviyalov, however, said an arrangement has been concluded to ensure the company get a supply of gas and resumes production soon.
He commended the CNS and his team for the visit and support given to ALSCON in the area of 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 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 in the last stages of negotiation to restore gas supply back to the plant,” Zaviyalov said.
He said that as a corporate entity, the company’s intention is to start up production so that those who were laid off could be called 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.