The Nigerian Navy has said it is executing community-based impact projects aimed at improving the standard of living of citizens across the country.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, disclosed that 33 such quick-impact projects, ranging from healthcare centres to the construction and renovation of schools, have been executed and commissioned nationwide since 2024.

Abbas spoke at the commissioning of a primary healthcare centre at Umuisu-Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Council of Enugu State.

He reiterated the Navy’s commitment to serving the best interests of Nigerians by improving living conditions while advancing national security objectives in collaboration with other security agencies.

The naval chief noted that the special impact projects also serve as a tribute to accomplished senior officers, reflecting the Navy’s dedication to serving Nigerians through various initiatives.

Abbas said the healthcare centre in Umuisu was dedicated to Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu (rtd), a community member recognised for his meritorious service to the Navy and the country.

Represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, the Chief of Naval Staff said civil-military relations were aimed at building trust between the military and the public.

“The facility will surely improve healthcare and well-being of the people in the community and attract quality health professionals to the community as well,” he said, congratulating Nwatu and the Umuisu community for their support to the Navy.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, said the state government had furnished the facility with furniture and medical equipment and deployed healthcare personnel to the centre.

“The state government has posted medical professionals to work here 24 hours since the facility has accommodation and solar-powered electricity to ensure steady power supply and lighting at night.

“We are challenging political office holders and philanthropists to create access to the facility by enrolling residents in the state health insurance scheme at N12,000 per person per year,” he said.

The member representing Nkanu East and Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Mr Nnoli Nnaji, commended the Navy for partnering with the state government and the community to make the facility operational.

“I represent 28 wards in my constituency. I am giving 50 persons per ward health insurance coverage, and we will find ways to provide tricycle ambulances in the constituency.

“We are grateful to the Chief of Naval Staff and the entire Navy authorities for this gesture meant to touch lives and improve healthcare for generations in this community and my constituency,” he said.

The traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Sunday Nwobodo, also appreciated the naval authorities for honouring their son, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu (rtd), with the project.

Nwobodo, who paid for registration cards for the first 100 people to access care at the facility, assured that the community would support its operations.

In his remarks, Nwatu thanked the Chief of Naval Staff for approving and funding the project and expressed appreciation to the Enugu State government, the Ministry of Health and the community for their support.

“We decided that the facility would be named after our illustrious late father and then Igwe-elect, Major Emmanuel Nwatu, who dedicated his life to the well being and progress of the Ugbawka community,” he said.

The healthcare centre is the first of its kind in the community.