Meet Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Rivers State Administrator

News Update

President Bola Tinubu has nominated retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the administrator of Rivers state.

Ibas, a former chief of naval staff, will be responsible for overseeing the affairs of the state for at least six months.

The president had earlier on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the persistent political crisis and instability in the state.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas: A Distinguished Naval Career

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas is a retired Nigerian naval officer who served as the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) from July 13, 2015, to January 26, 2021. During his tenure, he played a significant role in enhancing Nigeria’s maritime security, modernizing the Nigerian Navy, and combating threats such as piracy, oil theft, and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea. His career in the Nigerian Navy spanned several decades, during which he held various leadership and operational roles.

Born on September 27, 1960, in Cross River State, Nigeria, Ibas pursued a career in the military, enrolling at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1979. He was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1983 and steadily climbed the ranks through dedication, professionalism, and outstanding service. Over the years, he gained vast experience in naval operations, administration, and strategic planning.

Before his appointment as CNS, Ibas held numerous command and staff positions. He served as Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Chief of Administration at Naval Headquarters, and Chief of Logistics. These roles provided him with extensive experience in naval strategy, fleet management, and operational coordination, which proved invaluable during his time as the country’s top naval officer.

As Chief of Naval Staff, Ibas spearheaded key initiatives to improve Nigeria’s naval capabilities. Under his leadership, the Nigerian Navy acquired new warships, patrol boats, and maritime surveillance equipment to enhance its operational effectiveness. He also oversaw the construction and commissioning of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Unity, a state-of-the-art offshore patrol vessel, and the induction of several indigenous vessels built by the Navy’s shipyard.

One of his major achievements was the intensification of anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea. Recognizing the threat posed by piracy and sea robbery to Nigeria’s economic and security interests, Ibas introduced the “Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy”, which aimed to strengthen naval presence across Nigeria’s territorial waters. His tenure saw significant successes in reducing incidents of piracy and oil theft through enhanced patrols and intelligence-driven operations.

Ibas also prioritized capacity building and training within the Nigerian Navy. He facilitated numerous local and international training programmes for officers and ratings, ensuring they remained equipped with modern naval warfare skills. His administration also improved welfare conditions for naval personnel, including better housing, medical facilities, and career development opportunities.

Internationally, Vice Admiral Ibas fostered strong maritime collaborations between Nigeria and other countries. He played a crucial role in regional security partnerships such as the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum and ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy. These efforts helped strengthen Nigeria’s leadership role in addressing maritime security challenges in West Africa.

His tenure as CNS was not without challenges. He had to navigate the complexities of budget constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and evolving security threats. However, his strategic vision and decisive leadership enabled the Nigerian Navy to maintain a high level of operational readiness despite these obstacles.

After retiring from active service in January 2021, Vice Admiral Ibas has maintained a low public profile, occasionally engaging in security consultancy and maritime advocacy. His contributions to Nigeria’s naval development and maritime security remain highly regarded, and his leadership continues to serve as a benchmark for future naval officers.

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Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas’ career is a testament to dedication, professionalism, and strategic foresight in military service. His legacy within the Nigerian Navy is marked by improved operational capacity, enhanced maritime security, and a stronger naval force equipped to tackle modern threats.

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