The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, has called for increased funding for the Nigerian Navy to enable it acquire more ships to enhance maritime safety.

 Ibas made the call when he hosted the Managing Director, Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Ltd. (LNG), Mr Babs Omotowa, at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja.

 `` I talked about poor funding for the Navy and with poor funding you cannot get what is required to carry on with your duties.

 `` For us we need capitalisation, we have been shouting about it.

 `` Capitalisation means we need to buy more vessels to be able to patrol our maritime environment effectively, `` Ibas said.

 The chief of naval staff also stressed the need for the Nigerian Navy to upgrade its infrastructure with a view to enhance its operation.

 `` Those are the areas I am asking the LNG to come in and support us, we need ships, and we need infrastructure,`` he said.

 Responding, Omotowa expressed determination of the organisation to continue to support the Nigerian Navy to discharge its duties effectively.

 `` The chief of naval staff has mentioned a couple of areas in terms of capacity building and infrastructure upgrade, these are things we are going to look into,`` he said.

 He commended the Nigerian Navy for supporting to the organisation for the past 25 years of its operation.

 `` We are so appreciative of the Nigerian Navy for the support we have been getting in more than our 25 years of our operation.

 `` Without the support of the Nigerian Navy all the contributions that we make today will truly not be possible, `` Omotowa said.

 The managing director also assured the Navy of continued cooperation and support as they continue to discharge its mandate in nation’s waters. (NAN)