The Niger Delta Development Commission on Friday has handed over a fully equipped Forward Operating Base to the Nigerian Navy at Ayakoro community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The FOB, a state-of-the-art facility, is expected to strengthen the fight against pipeline vandalism, illegal refining of petroleum products, and other crimes along the waterways.
It features a fully furnished administrative block, accommodation block, and a 40-man houseboat, all equipped with two 100KVA generators and two gunboats powered by 200HP Yamaha engines each.
The facility also includes a 60KVA solar inverter installed in the administrative and accommodation blocks as backup power, a 30KVA solar inverter in the 40-man houseboat, a full-option Toyota Hilux for operational use, and a newly built floating operational jetty.
In addition, Ayakoro community donated a parcel of land to the Nigerian Navy for the construction of a school.
Speaking at the ceremony NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the location was strategically chosen because it serves as a route frequently used by kidnappers, bunkerers, and illegal oil refiners.
Ogbuku emphasised the partnership between the Commission and security agencies, noting that development cannot thrive without security.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the Niger Delta region, saying the President is determined to ensure the region’s sustainable development.
His words: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the peace and development of the Niger Delta region, and he has given us a matching order to embark on legacy projects that will stand the test of time and impact lives in the region. We cannot achieve this if there is no peace.
“For us in NDDC, we will continue to collaborate with the security agencies to ensure sustainable peace that will usher in development.”
On the naval base, he added: “This particular location was chosen by the Nigerian Navy because of its strategic position. From this junction, there is a creek that leads to Sangana in Southern Ijaw, and if this point is not secured, our safety would be compromised.
“In the past, kidnappers and those involved in illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refining transported their products from this route through Onuebum. With this facility in place, criminal activities through this area will be curtailed.”
Ogbuku further disclosed that the NDDC is implementing several other projects aimed at driving transformative change across the Niger Delta region.
The Chief of Naval Staff, represented by the Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, said the operational facility would enhance the Navy’s presence and security operations in the area.
He described Ayakoro as a strategic riverine community, crucial to ensuring maritime security in the Niger Delta region.
His words: “The event we are witnessing today reflects the close collaboration between the NDDC and the Nigerian Navy, aimed at addressing maritime security challenges in the region.
“I commend the vision and commitment of the NDDC leadership for establishing this project in Ayakoro to tackle security challenges in the maritime environment. The Navy will spare no effort to ensure that the objectives of this project are fully achieved.”
He also urged the Ayakoro community to support the Navy through intelligence sharing to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by his Security Coordinator and Coordinator of the Bayelsa Community Security Corps, Brigadier General Eric Angaye (Rtd), noted that most of Nigeria’s maritime domain and international coastline outside Lagos lie within the Gulf of Guinea along the Niger Delta coast.
He stressed that the Niger Delta remains vital to the nation’s oil and gas economy.
In his remarks, the Acting Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro community, Chief Micah Etebi, said the projects handed over to the Navy demonstrate that the interventionist agency is truly impacting lives in the Niger Delta.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Aliyu Gaya, Commander, NNS SOROH, Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami, and the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Owaba, among others.
