Navy Launches New Housing Projects For Junior Ranks

The Nigerian Navy has commissioned new accommodation and recreational facilities in Lagos as part of ongoing efforts to enhance personnel welfare and address long-standing housing shortages within the Service.

The projects, inaugurated at Navy Town, Ojo, during activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary, comprise a 48-unit one-bedroom accommodation block for junior ratings, a 16-unit two-bedroom apartment complex for senior ratings, and the Dolphin Golf Club House.

According to Ireporter Online, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the initiatives underscore the Navy’s commitment to improving welfare, modernising infrastructure, and enhancing operational efficiency across its formations.

He noted that the newly completed facilities reflect the Service’s broader transformation agenda aimed at creating a more conducive environment for officers, ratings, and their families, while boosting morale and productivity.

Vice Admiral Abbas revealed that the 48-unit junior ratings accommodation block had been abandoned for over five years before his administration revived and completed it, reaffirming the Navy’s resolve to prioritise viable stalled projects in order to ensure prudent use of resources.

He further stated that the Navy would continue to complete abandoned but functional infrastructure across its establishments nationwide, as part of efforts to maximise existing investments in development projects.

The naval chief added that the Dolphin Golf Club House would serve as a centre for relaxation, professional interaction, and stronger engagement among serving personnel, veterans, and strategic partners, while stressing the importance of proper maintenance and responsible resource management.

Abbas also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support toward the modernisation and growth of the Nigerian Navy, while praising contractors, engineers, and project teams for delivering the facilities on schedule.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, lauded the Chief of the Naval Staff for prioritising personnel welfare and infrastructural development, assuring that the command would ensure proper maintenance and sustainable use of the facilities.

Earlier, Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship WEY, Commodore Mohammed Alhassan, explained that the projects were conceived to address accommodation challenges affecting personnel in Lagos, noting that the 48-unit facility was designed to improve morale and operational efficiency among junior ratings.

He disclosed that the project, originally awarded before the current CNS assumed office, was abandoned for about five years until its completion was ordered, with construction resuming in March after documentation processes were finalised and completed within eight weeks.

Commodore Alhassan further stated that the 16-unit senior ratings apartment complex had previously been unusable due to incomplete supporting infrastructure, adding that extensive engineering works, including pile foundation technology, were used to stabilise the waterlogged site.

He added that the Dolphin Golf Club House, a two-storey facility featuring lounges, offices, changing rooms, a bar, kitchen, and parking space, was completed two months ahead of schedule.