The Federal Government is planning to build a naval base for the Nigerian Navy in Sagunnu, Borgu Local Government area of Niger State by 2019.
The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali disclosed this to journalists in his office in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with the Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani-Bello.
The minister said plans for the building of the naval base have reached advanced stage, attributing to the progress made on the project to the determination of Mr Sani-Bello.
He said the governor initiated the partnership with the Ministry of Defence for the siting of the naval outpost in Sagunnu.
Mr Dan-Ali, a retired brigadier-general, said the selection of the area for the siting of the base and other logistics are being worked out while necessary budgetary provision is being taken care of in 2018 budget.
The minister, who was so optimistic about the project, maintained that the naval base will serve as a veritable platform for the sustenance of peace and security of the north west region of the country.
Earlier in his remark, Mr Sani-Bello said government would provide access road to the base to facilitate construction of the base.
The governor further said a road-map is being articulated for the project and assured the minister of his administration’s commitment to the construction of the naval outpost base.
“Our visit to the Ministry of Defence is a follow up to discuss what we started a year or two ago with a view to building a naval outpost base for the Nigerian Navy in Sagunnu in Borgu local government area of the state,” Mr Sani-Bello stated.
The governor was accompanied by the Emir of Borgu, Mohammed Dantoro.
