Nigeria is at a critical period —Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, reminded the Navy that the country was at a critical period, facing dwindling revenue, called for prudent resource management and patriotic re-dedication.

The president was speaking in Lagos, on the occasion of the commissioning ceremony of the Nigerian Navy ships unity and Karaduwa, as well as the Navy Tugboat boat commander, Edwin Ugwu.

He noted that the entrenchment of new policy directives codified in such functional documents as the 2011-2020 transformation plan, five-year quick impact strategic plan and the total spectrum strategy were credible guidelines for improved efficiency.

According to him, the Federal Government would continue to provide the Navy’s requirements within the limits of its resources as his administration was unwavering in prioritising the commitment, readiness and willingness towards strengthening the Navy through improved training, provision of modern equipment, infrastructure and attention to welfare.

Consequently, he said the Federal Government expected no less from them, as looking inwards was the way to go amidst a uniquely challenging mix of recession and rising acute security concerns.

The president declared that as a truly national service, he commended their involvement and contribution in the on-going fight against insurgency in the North-East.

“The Navy is also envisaged to play a critical role in upcoming continental programmes such as the development of sustainable blue economy for Africa adopted and signed by the African Union in October 2016,’’ he said.