Senate yesterday decried inadequate appropriations of fund to the Nigerian Navy, saying the present security challenges in the country demanded increase in its appropriation to enable it execute its operational services.
Chairman, Senate
Committee on Navy, Senator Isa Misau who commended the Nigerian Navy for its recorded successes recently, lamented the state of decay of naval facilities across the country, noting that a lot needed to be done in critical areas to enhance performance.
Misau stated this while receiving the Chief of Naval Staff, Ibot Ekwe Ibot who briefed the committee on the 2016 and 2017 budget proposal said that the purpose of the briefing was to acquaint the committee on the 2016 performance and focus on the 2017 budget.
The Committee assured that it will look into the proposed budget of the Nigeria Navy for 2017 with aim of appropriating additional fund especially in the overhead and capital costs.
The Chief of Naval Staff informed the committee that the Nigeria Navy which proposed over N26.446 billion, an equivalent of $86 million in the 2017 budget, had recorded remarkable successes in its operations, including seizure of 22 ships and about 810,755 metric tones of illegally refined diesel.
He disclosed that the Navy also seized 33 wooden boats, 35 speed boats, 27 tanker trucks and 7 vehicles.
