The Nigerian Navy has restored electricity to Nduk community in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State after more than 15 years of blackout, following the rehabilitation of its electrification project and installation of a new 300KVA transformer.

The project was commissioned on Wednesday as part of the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation intervention programmes approved by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and funded under the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project scheme.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the community council hall, Abbas, who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, said empowering communities was essential to strengthening national security and prosperity.

“It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to witness the commissioning of this project for this community after a period of 15 years,” Abbas said.

He said the intervention reflected the Navy’s commitment to supporting communities beyond its core maritime security responsibilities.

“This understanding has continued to guide the Nigerian Navy Civil-Military Cooperation efforts and the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Scheme, which seeks to address critical community needs while fostering stronger bonds between the Armed Forces and the communities they serve,” he added.

Abbas described the electrification project as timely and impactful, saying the Navy remained committed to contributing to national development through community-based interventions.

He urged residents to protect the facilities from vandalism and theft to ensure that the project remained functional for future generations.

The Chief of Naval Staff also commended the facilitator of the project for identifying the community’s development needs, noting that leadership was most meaningful when it positively affected people’s lives.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner of Power, Hon Iniobong Robson, also commended the Navy for its intervention in improving the living conditions of rural communities.

Eno said the CNS Special Intervention and Quick Impact Project aligned with his administration’s ARISE agenda, particularly its focus on socioeconomic development, peaceful coexistence and the security of rural communities.

“Let me appreciate the CNS for his Special Intervention and Quick Impact projects aimed at addressing the socioeconomic development of our rural communities. This initiative aligns with the ARISE agenda of our administration, which is aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and enhancing security of our rural populace,” he said.

Earlier, the project facilitator, Rear Admiral Anifiok Uko, thanked the Chief of Naval Staff for what he described as visionary leadership, saying the intervention scheme was designed to bridge development gaps in rural communities and strengthen relations between the military and civilians.

Uko, who is the Director of Naval Operations at the Naval Headquarters, disclosed that Nduk had endured more than 15 years without electricity, a situation he said had affected security, economic activities and social life in the community.

“This project is particularly significant because it addresses one of the most urgent and long-standing challenges confronting Nduk community. For more than 15 years, the people of Nduk lived without access to electricity. Nightfall brings darkness and restricted movement, heightens security concerns and suspends socioeconomic development in our society,” he said.

He said the project was selected in consultation with community leaders and urged residents to take ownership of the facilities and protect them to ensure their sustainability.