Naval officers reach Bonny to arrange accommodation for 62 senior ratings
…as commander lauds FOB boss for new standards
There may be a major relief from the housing crisis facing military institutions in Bonny, Rivers State. This is because 62 Navy senior ratings have been given new apartments from newly constructed facilities on the island.
Bonny has been a closed unit for centuries, and there appears to be a lack of housing for those stationed on the island. Thus, most international corporations prefer to construct residential properties for their workforce even before they start construction of their projects.
Now, the Eastern Naval Command has flagged off the accommodation constructed by the Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Bonny.
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It is commanded by substantive Admiral and Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Chidozie Donald Okehi.
Okehi commended one Commodore Emmanuel Fingesi, who is the Commanding Officer of FOB Bonny, while commissioning the new building in Bonny, Rivers State on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The FOC said the FOB Commander has set a new benchmark for infrastructure development.
FOC Eastern Naval Command also noted the deliberate intent displayed by the Commanding Officer in addressing welfare issues affecting the officers and ratings of the base and said that such leadership qualities are worthy of appreciation.
Earlier on arrival, the new building was toured by the Real Admiral (Okehi), who was accompanied by Chinyonrem Oji, a Real Admiral, who is Commanding Operations Officer, Eastern Naval Command, Cajetan Anyoku, another Real Admiral, who is Commander NNS Pathfinder.
According to Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustafa, who is the Base Operations Officer, FOB Bonny, to address the acute shortage of ratings accommodation, the 20-man Senior Rates Lodge was conceived, initiated, completed and equipped by the Commanding Officer, FOB Bonny.
According to him, “The project commenced on Friday, August 22, 2025 and was completed on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, reflecting the base’s commitment to excellence, discipline and timely completion of the project.
“The housing is designed for the base's 62 rating, which will eliminate the shortage of rating housing on the base.”
The newly constructed building, along with several other initiatives of the FOB Bonny Commanding Officer (Emmanuel Fingesi), has significantly improved the infrastructure development profile of the base.
Security in the island, home to world-class commercial entities such as NLNG and IOC, largely falls to the Nigerian Navy, which also leads the war against oil piracy in the surrounding bays. Thus adjustments to Navy ratings are considered very important especially for the tasks expected of the ratings.
Senior naval ratings are characterized as highly experienced, senior non-commissioned personnel (NCOs) who provide vital technical expertise and guidance, bridging the gap between junior ratings and officers.
According to authoritative voices including the Royal Navy, LexisNexis, and Wikipedia, they hold formal commissions and specific leadership roles with ultimate command responsibility.
One source said: “Senior ratings lead through deep experience, mentoring junior officers and managing complex operations”. Their habitat in places like Bonny is considered important for their delicate roles.
