History of Logistics Command
The Logistics Command (LOC) was established in 2008 from the defunct Fleet Maintenance Corps (FMC) to execute Nigerian Navy policies on procurement, storage, distribution, and disposal of technical and naval stores. The Command evolved from a quasi-management system organized to administer aspects of logistics in the early years of the Nigerian Navy.
The NN logistics administration started as Supply and Secretariat Department (S & S) which was inherited from the Royal Navy (RN). As at 1956, the S & S Department performed duties of accounts, administration and logistics supplies to a relatively small fleet of NN ships. NNS BEECROFT was the only shore establishment at that time. The S & S Department was made up of Writers (Secretariat) and Stores Hands, Cooks and Stewards (Supply).
In 1982, a reform created the Logistics Branch in the NN. The inability of this arrangement to adequately cater for logistics led to reorganization into the Naval Material Supply Corps, Building Services Engineering Corps and Naval Ordnance Corps. In 1994, a reappraisal merged Naval Material Supply Corps and Building Services Engineering Corps to form the NN Logistics Branch.
In 2008, Fleet Maintenance Corps and NNLC were merged vide NNO 02/08 to form the Logistics Command (LOC). This merger enabled the adoption of the integrated logistics approach where engineering and logistics functions are fused for a more practical and robust fleet maintenance and logistics support architecture.
Leadership
Rear Admiral Abiodun Alade
GSS psc(+) fdc MSc (SSS) MBA (Log Mgt) MPA LLMC MNIM MCIPSM MCILSCM MCILT
Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command
Rear Admiral Abiodun Alade was born on 28 April 1971 at Zaria City of Kaduna State. He hails from Ogbomoso in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State. He attended Nigerian Military School Zaria between 1984 and 1989. Thereafter, he was admitted into Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of 42 Regular Course in August 1990. Alade was subsequently commissioned into the Logistics Branch of the Nigerian Navy as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1995.
He has served in various capacities at different ranks during the course of his career. He had his Watch Keeping Duties onboard NNS OFIOM and NNS DAMISA. The officer also held various administrative appointments at Naval Headquarters like Staff Officer Indent and Supply before being appointed as the Ship Logistics Officer onboard NNS ARADU in 2006. He was later appointed as the Training Commander at Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College Owerrinta from 2009 to 2011 before proceeding as Directing Staff at Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji between 2011 and 2013.
He was also the Command Logistics Officer at Headquarters Western Naval Command in 2014 and Commander, Port-Harcourt Logistics Depot in 2015. His last two appointments were Director of Supply and Director of Veteran Affairs at Naval Headquarters, Abuja. He is presently the Flag Officer Commanding, Headquarters Logistics Command, Oghara, Delta State.
He has attended several military and civil courses. Military courses include the Sub Technical Course at NNS QUORRA (1997), Basic Logistics Officers Course (2000), Long Logistics & Management Course at INS HAMLA India (2006), Junior Staff and Senior Staff Course at AFCSC Jaji (2002 and 2007), and Higher Defence Management Course at National Defence College Abuja (2017).
His civil qualifications include BSc Mathematics from NDA (1994), MBA Logistics Management from Goa University India (2006), MSc Security and Strategic Studies from NDA Kaduna (2018), and Masters in Public Administration from National Open University of Nigeria. Additionally, he has certificates in Management from ABUCON, Zaria and Health Safety Environment from Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria.
He is a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Nigeria Institute of Logistics and Transport, Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, and Fellow National Defence College among others. Rear Admiral Alade enjoys travelling and playing table-tennis. He is married to Titilayo and blessed with 2 girls.
Command Organization
Logistics Depots
4 x NN Logistics Depots strategically located for efficient storage and distribution of naval stores and materials across the fleet.
Motor Vehicle Maintenance Group
MVMG responsible for maintenance and repair of the Nigerian Navy's motor vehicle assets and ground transportation equipment.
Fleet Support Groups
3 x Fleet Support Groups (FSGs) providing direct maintenance and logistics support to naval vessels and fleet operations.
Helicopter Support Group
HSG and 2 x Helicopter Support Units (HSUs) providing dedicated aviation logistics and maintenance for NN aircraft fleet.
Fleet Support Units
5 x Fleet Support Units (FSUs) offering first and second level maintenance support across operational commands.
POL Facilities
Storage and test facilities for Petroleum Oil and Lubricants (POL) with compliance to safety regulations.
Primary Functions
Capital Asset Acquisition
Executing NN policies for acquisition and maintenance of capital assets, ensuring optimal fleet availability.
Repair & Maintenance
Establishing and monitoring repair procedures, schedules and standards including local and foreign refits of ships.
Engineering Standards
Ensuring application of naval engineering standards to processes related to maintenance of ships and equipment.
Local Capabilities
Identification of local capabilities in support of maintenance tasks, capital projects and materiel supply.
Periodic Inspections
Conduct periodic inspections of all fleet maintenance assets and logistics infrastructure.
Acquisitions
Undertake NN acquisitions as directed by the Naval Headquarters (NHQ).
Supply Chain Management
Procure, store and distribute technical and naval stores material with quality management standards.
POL Management
Provide storage and test facilities for POL and all types of lubricants with safety compliance.
Asset Disposal
Preserve obsolete naval assets and equipment for later disposal action as directed.
Guiding Philosophy
The Logistics Command's guiding philosophy is built on five key pillars: Infrastructure, Technology, Training, Teamwork and Synergy. These inform the Command's plan of action and operational approach.
Infrastructure
Siting logistics bases at strategic locations for ease of access
Technology
Leveraging technology to automate complex logistics activities
Training
Optimising training to equip personnel with requisite skills
Teamwork
Promoting collaboration among interdependent units
Synergy
Synergizing with other commands to assist them live, float, move and fight
The Command's guiding philosophy is rooted in a business model which places the Command as the de-facto owner of NN vessels and aircraft which it leases to the operational commands for executing their responsibilities. This philosophy is designed to imbue personnel with a mindset of ownership, producing self-motivated and more productive individuals.
Strategic Objectives
Fleet Maintenance
Keep ships in excellent operational condition and sustained to operate optimally when leased out to users.
Data Acquisition
Develop and maintain comprehensive data systems for tracking fleet maintenance and logistics operations.
Docking Schedule
Develop and manage systematic docking schedules for all naval vessels requiring periodic maintenance.
Fuel Management
Develop fuel consumption patterns and efficient POL distribution systems across the fleet.
Infrastructure Maintenance
Acquire, maintain and build shore-based infrastructure in accordance with NN operational requirements.
Capacity Building
Enhance personnel capabilities through continuous training and professional development.
Command Evolution
Supply & Secretariat Department
Logistics Branch Established
Logistics & Fleet Support Branches
Logistics Command Established