The Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy has held a colourful farewell parade in honour of its outgoing Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen, who formally handed over the mantle of leadership to Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha.
The ceremony, held on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, at the NNS BEECROFT Parade Ground, Apapa, Lagos, the event was graced by senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Customs, Immigration, and Police, alongside naval ratings, civilian personnel, and other distinguished guests, who gathered to celebrate Admiral Oamen’s exemplary leadership and dedicated service to the nation.
The event featured a ceremonial parade mounted by officers and ratings of the Command, alongside glowing tributes recognizing Rear Admiral Oamen’s significant contributions to operational effectiveness, maritime security, and personnel welfare throughout his tenure.
In his emotional farewell address, Rear Admiral Oamen expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for the grace to successfully conclude his tenure, describing the occasion as “a day of pride and reflection.”
“When I assumed command on 22 October 2024, I was filled with a deep sense of responsibility and a clear vision to sustain operational excellence, strengthen unity among personnel, and ensure that our Command continued to play its critical role in safeguarding our maritime domain,” he stated.
He commended officers, ratings, and civilian staff for their loyalty, professionalism, and teamwork, noting that their dedication formed the backbone of the Command’s achievements.
“Together, we faced challenges, operational, logistical, and even personal but we confronted each one with determination and unity. Whether at sea or ashore, in operations or administration, you all stood firm, upholding the finest traditions of the Nigerian Navy: loyalty, discipline, and service before self,” he said.
Rear Admiral Oamen also paid tribute to the immediate past Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (AM), for his trust and guidance, and expressed deep appreciation to his family for their unwavering support, especially during periods of absence.
As he handed over to his successor, Rear Admiral Oamen described Rear Admiral Mustapha as “a brother and friend”, expressing full confidence in his ability to lead the Western Naval Command to greater heights.
“Rear Admiral Mustapha is an outstanding officer intelligent, principled, and experienced. I have no doubt that under his command, the Western Naval Command will continue to thrive and achieve even greater feats,” he said.
He concluded with a message of reflection and encouragement: “Leadership is temporary, but legacy is lasting. The true measure of our service lies not in titles or ranks, but in the lives we touch, the examples we set, and the standards we leave behind.”
Rear Admiral Oamen also expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the privilege of serving the nation at the highest levels of command.
In his maiden address as the new Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha expressed humility and gratitude to Almighty God and to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A.I. Abbas (AM), for the confidence reposed in him.
He praised his predecessor, Rear Admiral Oamen, for his outstanding service and achievements, pledging to sustain and build upon the Command’s successes.
“The Western Naval Command is the custodian and gateway of our nation’s maritime frontier and is central to achieving Nigeria’s Blue Economy aspirations. Our duty is clear, to remain professionally poised and in a constant state of operational readiness,” he declared.
Rear Admiral Mustapha outlined his command philosophy anchored on five strategic pillars: Professional Excellence, Operational Efficiency, Unwavering Discipline, Personnel Welfare, and Teamwork.
He emphasized the need for innovation, intelligence-led operations, and synergy with sister services and maritime stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
“My intent is to establish a robust, technology-driven naval presence across the Command’s Area of Responsibility, one that can detect, deter, disrupt, and deny any form of criminal activity. I expect all sub-unit commanders to demonstrate initiative, creativity, and commitment in seizing and maintaining operational advantage,” he said.
Reaffirming his confidence in the officers and men of the Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha concluded: “I am proud to be your Flag Officer Commanding. Let us sail together toward new horizons of excellence. The eyes of the nation are on us and I have absolute faith that we will not only meet but exceed every expectation.”
The ceremony marked a seamless transition of leadership within the Western Naval Command, reflecting the Nigerian Navy’s enduring traditions of discipline, professionalism, and continuity of command.
As Rear Admiral Oamen bows out after a distinguished career marked by operational brilliance and transformational leadership, the Command now embarks on a new chapter under Rear Admiral Mustapha’s stewardship anchored on innovation, readiness, and unwavering commitment to national maritime security.