Navy fights accommodation crisis in Bonny, builds houses for 62 personnel

Naval officers arriving in Bonny to commission accommodation for 62 senior Ratings

…As Commander hails FOB boss on new standards

Accommodation crisis facing military institutions in Bonny, Rivers State, may have received a huge relief. This is as 62 Naval Senior Ratings have been given fresh apartments from newly constructed facilities on the island.

Bonny has been a locked entity for centuries, and accommodation seems tight for those posted to the island. Thus, most international corporations prefer to build residential estates for their workforce even before starting to construct their projects.

Now, the Eastern Naval Command has flagged off accommodation built by the Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Bonny.

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It has been commissioned by Chidozie Donald Okehie, a real admiral and Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command.

Commissioning the new building on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 in Bonny, Rivers State, Okehie commended Emmanuel Fingesi, a commodore who is the Commanding Officer of FOB Bonny. The FOC said the FOB commander has set a new standard for infrastructure development.

The FOC Eastern Naval Command also noted what he called the intentionality displayed by the Commanding Officer in addressing welfare issues affecting officers and ratings of the Base, asserting that such leadership qualities deserve accolades.

Earlier on arrival, the real Admiral (Okehie), who was accompanied by Chinonyerem Oji, a Real Admiral who is the Command Operations Officer, Eastern Naval Command, Cajetan Anioku, another Real Admiral who is the Commander NNS Pathfinder, was conducted round the new building by Fingesi.

According to Sirajo Almustapha a Lietenant Commander who is the Base Operations Officer of FOB Bonny, the 20-man Senior Rates Lodge was conceived, initiated, completed and furnished by the Commanding Officer, FOB Bonny, in order to address the acute shortage of ratings’ accommodation.

According to him, “The project commenced on Friday, August 22, 2025 and was completed on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, reflecting the Base’s commitment to excellence, discipline and timely completion of project.

“The accommodation is designed to house 62 ratings of the Base, thereby bringing to an end the ratings accommodation shortage at the Base.”

The newly commissioned building alongside several other initiatives of the FOB Bonny Commanding Officer (Emmanuel Fingesi), has significantly improved the infrastructural development profile of the Base.

Security in the island with world class business entities such as the NLNG and IOCs is mostly anchored by the Nigerian Navy, who also lead in the war against oil theft raging within the surrounding creeks. Accommodation for the Naval Ratings is thus seen as very crucial especially by the tasks expected of the Ratings.

Senior naval Ratings are indicated as highly experienced, senior Non-Commissioned Personnel (NCOs) who provide crucial technical expertise and mentorship, bridging the gap between junior ratings and officers.

They hold formal commissions and distinct leadership roles with ultimate command responsibility, according to authoritative voices including Royal Navy, LexisNexis, and Wikipedia.

A source said: “Senior Ratings lead through deep experience, advising junior officers and managing complex tasks”. Their accommodation in places like Bonny is seen as critical to their delicate roles.

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