By Seun Ibiyemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Navy for its seven decades of service in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, describing the Service as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture and economic growth.
The President gave the commendation on Monday at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th Anniversary.
At the event, President Tinubu commissioned three naval vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara — to strengthen the Navy’s operational capabilities and enhance maritime security.
Representing a major milestone in the history of the Service, the International Fleet Review brought together naval chiefs, military leaders, government officials and international partners from across Africa and beyond.
Speaking as the reviewing officer, the President praised the Nigerian Navy’s achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling and other transnational crimes within the Gulf of Guinea.
According to him, the Service’s sustained operations against maritime criminality have contributed significantly to increased oil production, improved government revenue and enhanced investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that the recent deployment of the Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres would further strengthen the nation’s security efforts and consolidate the gains already recorded.
He described Nigeria’s maritime domain as a strategic national asset and a vital source of foreign exchange earnings, stressing that the protection of the country’s territorial waters remains essential to economic development and regional stability.
“Nigeria’s maritime domain, endowed with immense natural wealth, remains a vital pillar of our national economy. Through the effective integration of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and robust enforcement operations, the Navy has successfully eradicated piracy in our waters and significantly curtailed crude oil theft and associated maritime crimes,” he stated.
President Tinubu also commended the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, regional partners and international allies in ensuring safer waterways and secure shipping routes across the Gulf of Guinea.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Navy through continued investments in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training and capacity development.
The President further congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans and families of naval personnel on the Navy’s 70th anniversary, urging them to remain committed to professionalism, patriotism and national service.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent successes to strategic investments, policy support and strong leadership from the Federal Government.
He said the acquisition of modern platforms, enhanced surveillance systems and improved inter-agency collaboration have significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
According to him, these interventions have enabled the Navy to intensify efforts against piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing and other transnational maritime crimes.
The naval chief reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and pledged that the Service would remain vigilant in protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests.
He also paid tribute to past and present naval personnel whose sacrifices, dedication and professionalism have contributed to the growth and transformation of the Nigerian Navy into one of Africa’s leading maritime forces.
Vice Admiral Abbas assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to leverage technology, innovation and strategic partnerships to sustain the gains achieved in maritime security and support national development.
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The event was attended by top government officials, military chiefs, lawmakers, foreign naval delegations and former service chiefs, reflecting the growing importance of maritime security to regional and global trade.
Among those present were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Chiefs of Naval Staff from several Gulf of Guinea countries.
The commissioning of the new vessels is expected to further enhance Nigeria’s maritime surveillance, response capabilities and enforcement operations as the country seeks to strengthen security within its territorial waters and support the growth of the blue economy.
