Eastern Naval Command Commissions New Housing Facility for Senior Ratings in Rivers
Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Eastern Naval Command, performed the commissioning ceremony
The Eastern Naval Command has officially commissioned a newly completed accommodation facility for senior ratings at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny, Rivers State. Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Eastern Naval Command, performed the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, marking a significant step in addressing infrastructure needs within the Command.
The project, described as a 20-man Senior Ratings Lodge, was initiated to resolve a long-standing shortage of suitable housing for personnel at the base. During the event, Rear Admiral Okehie commended the Commanding Officer of FOB Bonny, Commodore Emmanuel Fingesi, for his leadership and commitment to enhancing the living conditions of the officers and ratings under his charge.
Project Timeline and Capacity
According to the Base Operations Officer of FOB Bonny, Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, the project was executed within a four-month timeframe. Construction commenced on 22 August 2025 and reached completion on 30 December 2025.
The facility is designed to accommodate 62 ratings, a capacity intended to fully eliminate the accommodation deficit previously experienced at the base. The Lodge was delivered fully furnished, reflecting an integrated approach to military infrastructure that prioritises immediate habitability and operational readiness.
Institutional Impact and Welfare Focus
The FOC was accompanied by several high-ranking officers, including the Command Operations Officer of the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chinonyerem Oji, and the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Rear Admiral Cajetan Aniaku. Their presence underscored the institutional importance of the project within the Nigerian Navy’s broader strategy for personnel welfare.
Rear Admiral Okehie noted that the timely and successful completion of the facility serves as a benchmark for infrastructure development across the Command. He emphasised that such investments are critical for maintaining the morale and discipline required for effective maritime security operations.
Conclusion
The commissioning of the Senior Ratings Lodge at FOB Bonny signifies a strategic effort to modernise naval infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. By addressing the housing needs of senior ratings, the Eastern Naval Command is positioning its personnel for better operational efficiency. Moving forward, this project is expected to serve as a model for similar welfare-driven infrastructure initiatives across other naval formations in Nigeria.
