President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Navy for seven decades of safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, describing the Service as a critical pillar of national security, economic stability, and regional maritime cooperation.
Speaking on Monday at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos to mark the Nigerian Navy’s 70th Anniversary, President Tinubu also commissioned three naval vessels—NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara—as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime security capabilities.
The President praised the Navy’s achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea, noting that sustained operations against maritime criminality have contributed significantly to increased oil production, higher government revenues, and improved investor confidence.
According to him, the Navy’s effectiveness in securing Nigeria’s territorial waters has enhanced the safety of coastal communities while supporting economic activities across one of Africa’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
“Beyond the maritime domain, I also commend the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country. The courage and professionalism demonstrated by the Special Boat Service in executing complex missions are truly commendable,” President Tinubu said.
He added that the recent deployment of the Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres would further strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The President noted that Nigeria’s maritime domain remains a vital driver of economic growth, serving as a major source of foreign exchange earnings and a critical gateway for international trade.
“Through the effective integration of surveillance systems, rapid-response mechanisms and robust enforcement operations, you have successfully eradicated piracy in our waters and significantly curtailed crude oil theft and associated maritime crimes. These achievements have enhanced the security of our littoral communities and contributed to increased oil production, thereby supporting national economic growth,” he stated.
Tinubu also acknowledged the Navy’s collaboration with domestic security agencies, regional partners, and international allies in improving security across the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through continued investments in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training, and operational capacity development.
The President thanked foreign naval delegations and partner nations for participating in the International Fleet Review, describing their presence as evidence of growing international cooperation aimed at promoting maritime security, regional stability, and shared prosperity.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, attributed recent successes in maritime security to sustained government support, strategic investments, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
He said the acquisition of modern naval platforms and surveillance assets has strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and enabled the Service to intensify operations against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery, and other transnational maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Vice Admiral Abbas reaffirmed the loyalty of naval personnel to the Constitution and pledged that the Service would remain vigilant in protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests.
He also assured stakeholders that the Navy would continue leveraging technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships to consolidate gains recorded in securing the nation’s waters and supporting economic development.
The anniversary event attracted senior government officials, military leaders, foreign naval chiefs, and international delegations, underscoring Nigeria’s growing role in regional maritime security cooperation and efforts to maintain safe and secure shipping lanes across West Africa.