Yesterday, 1st June 2025, I had the honour of delivering my official remarks as Chairman of the House Committee on Navy during the ceremonial sunset and dinner in commemoration of the 69th Anniversary of the Nigerian Navy. The event, held in grand style, was not only a celebration of the Navy’s legacy of sacrifice and professionalism but a reaffirmation of our national commitment to maritime security and national defense.
Ahead of the celebration, on Saturday, 31st May 2025, the Nigerian Navy reached a significant milestone with the commissioning of three new helicopters and three ships, a bold step in boosting operational capability, deterrence capacity, and response efficiency in our maritime domain. These new assets symbolize more than just military strength—they represent renewed hope in our fight against piracy, oil theft, and other transnational crimes threatening Nigeria’s economic lifelines.
In a deeply humbling moment, I was conferred with an additional military honour in recognition of my contributions to national security reforms and unflinching legislative support for the Navy and our broader Armed Forces. This award belongs not to me alone, but to all patriotic Nigerians who believe that peace, justice, and security are non-negotiable pillars of a prosperous nation.
On the sidelines of the celebration, I used the opportunity to finalize strategic security consultations with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; the Chief of Army Staff; the Chief of Air Staff; and the Inspector General of Police—focused squarely on the escalating security situation in Garga Area of Kanam Local Government in Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency. I am pleased to inform my constituents and the Nigerian public that concrete, practical solutions have now been agreed upon, and in the coming days, visible action will be taken to restore calm, protect lives, and reclaim hope in that troubled area.
As always, I remain committed to utilizing every platform available—legislative, executive, and military—to ensure that no community under my watch is abandoned to lawlessness or insecurity. The message is clear: the days of impunity, banditry, and silent suffering are numbered.
Let me once again commend the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for his exceptional vision, discipline, and transformation drive within the Nigerian Navy. His leadership has reinforced the Navy’s credibility as a pillar of our national defense architecture.
As we mark 69 years of unwavering naval service, may the Nigerian Navy continue to sail in strength, discipline, and honour. May our nation be safer, stronger, and more united.
God bless the Nigerian Armed Forces.
God bless the Nigerian Navy.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Ph.D, OON
Chairman, House Committee on Navy
Federal House of Representatives.
