The House of Representatives says it will wield the big stick against the Nigeria Navy if it is found wanting.
Chairman, House Committee on Navy, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, gave the warning during the 2020 budget defence by the Nigerian Navy.
He said:”As we look forward to undertaking familiarisation tour of naval formations across the country in the exercise of our oversight functions in no distant future, I call on the naval authorities to be transparent in their dealings to forestall the possibility of any gridlocks with the committee.
“This committee is willing and ready to work with the Navy as partners in progress for optimal productivity, but we shall not hesitate to wield the big stick where you are found wanting. Let me reiterate that the progress and development of Nigeria remains our topmost priority.
“Like any other armed forces in Nigeria, the Nigerian Navy is of strategic importance to the economy of this great nation.
“This brings to light, the desire of this committee to give the Navy the legislative support required to achieve its mandate of tackling the menace of piracy, oil theft, bunkering and other maritime related crimes.
“We shall not renege on our sacred responsibility of providing the needed oversight on the activities of the Navy, but we should have as our underlying principle, the idea of adding value to the Navy than being a cog in its wheel of progress by reason of unnecessary antagonism.”
He expressed concern over the non-release of funds to the Navy for capital expenditure this year.
