Nigerian Navy: Building change management skills

The Nigerian Navy organised a workshop on change management for senior officers of the service. JIBRIN BABA NDACE reports

The Director, Nigerian Navy Transformation Office, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola set the tone for the two-day workshop which was designed to build new change management skills for senior officers  of the service. In his welcome address, the director said it was the responsibility of the armed forces and other security agencies to explore ways, means and techniques that would enable them carry out assigned roles without hindrance. “It is the responsibility of the armed forces and other security agencies to continuously explore ways, means and techniques through workshops of this nature to discharge her constitutional roles, other assigned tasks and emerging threats to national security commendably well.”
He disclosed that the workshop was organised to address shortcomings that have been observed in commands, ships and establishments and ensured that Nigerian Navy become first 20 navies in the world. “Nigeria’s vision 20:2020 is anchored on the desire for the nation to be among the 20 leading economies in the world by the year 2020. Incidentally, the current 20 leading nations are littoral states. This aptly indicates that by the year 2020, the Nigeria Navy should be among the first 20 navies in the world.”

In his key note address, the Chief of Naval staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin said he had emphasised on transforming and repositioning the Nigerian Navy since he was appointed. “You will recall that on 16 January 2014, I was appointed as the 19th Chief of Naval Staff. In my response   during the handing/taking over ceremony, I emphasised on transforming and repositioning the NN for improved efficiency through capacity building. This workshop for Branch Chiefs, FOCs, Directors and Commanders of autonomous units and Bases is one of such programmes aimed at building capacity thus repositioning the NN. It is believed that workshop like this will enhance efficiency and sustain effective capacity thus adequately equipping personnel to carry out NN statutory roles.”
“In a bid to transform the NN for better efficiency in line with the National Transformation Agenda and the vision 20: 2020, the NN launched its Transformation Plan (NNTP) 2011-2020 in December 2011. The NNTP 2011-2020 is a desired tool aimed at repositioning the Navy as a potent maritime force capable of securing the nation’s maritime domain for viable economic activities to thrive.”

The CNS who disclosed that NNTP 2011-2020 is being received to address gaps and contemporary issues noted that both his vision and mission were influenced by the observed gaps. “  Against the backdrop of repositioning the NN upon resumption of office, I envisioned, ‘to emplace a well trained , equipped, maintained , organised and highly motivated naval force capable of being deployed  singly or with other arms of service in the defence of Nigeria’s maritime environment, other troubled spots and the Gulf of Guinea for sustained economic prosperity.”

“ Arising from this vision, I posited a mission ‘ to consistently and professionally deploy a well trained , organised and highly motivated naval force capable of effectively and efficiently discharging  constitutional roles and assigned tasks for the  defence and economic prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ’ ”
Jibrin, who said that he intended to achieve his vision and mission through the collective efforts of NN, hoped that the gains of the workshop and other similar efforts would bring the desired attitudinal change aimed at repositioning the Nigerian Navy.

“I am told that the workshop is designed to create the required attitudinal mindset for a deeper sense of commitment. This is with a view to discharging responsibilities and assigned tasks in a professional and efficient manner, consistent with global best practices in the defence and protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity. It will also create a deeper understanding of the skills sets required to achieve the NN transformation ideals. The workshop will also set the premise for participants to appreciate essentials of leadership mentoring attributes in subordinates.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director General, Institute for National Transformation, Professor Vincent     Anigbogu said that Africa has been tagged by many experts as the next frontier of global economic development in the next 25-50 years and Nigeria is expected to play a leading role.

“Africa has been tagged by many experts as the next frontier in global economic development in the next 25-50 years. These expectations must be attained amidst increasing global economic competition and midst complexity of issues arising in the continent. These issues are often cross-cutting and intertwined as they relate to, among others, illiteracy, poverty, lack of healthcare, lack of housing, youth bulge, terrorism and gender inequality. Nigeria is expected to play a leading role in the economic emergence of Africa. This places extraordinary demands on leadership   and human capacity development programmers and institutions in Nigeria.”

Anigbogu said that as Africa in general and Nigeria in particular was about to witness another wind of change akin to 1950s and 1960s, emerging leaders must equip themselves with requisites skills. “During the 1950s and 1960s change movement, the passion and the zeal of African founding fathers helped them to secure independence for their nations, but their limited change management skills hindered their ability to forge a completive economic agenda for their nations.”

“Therefore, one of the most important skills that contemporary Nigeria leaders should possess is change management skills. It is therefore imperative that current and future generations of Nigerian leaders in the public and private sectors, and in different spheres of the society, possess the requisite leadership, multidisciplinary and trans-boundary perspective to problem solving and change management competencies.”
He said the workshop would equip and strengthen the participants for effective service delivery in their respective responsibilities to the Nigerian Navy and to Nigeria.