The Nigerian Navy has been ranked the strongest naval force in Africa and 22nd globally, according to the 2026 Global Firepower (GFP) report.
The ranking assessed conventional war-fighting capabilities across land, sea, and air. Nigeria’s maritime domain stretched along an 853 km coastline in the Gulf of Guinea, sharing boundaries with Benin, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, and Sao Tome and Principe, and covers its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) extending 220 nautical miles offshore.
The Nigerian fleet consists of 152 vessels, including 132 patrol boats, two mine warfare ships, and one frigate. Patrol boats include offshore patrol vessels, gunboats, missile boats, and fast-attack craft designed for shallow waters. While effective, the fleet lack aircraft carriers, submarines, corvettes, and destroyers.
Globally, Nigeria ranked 33rd in overall military strength, trailing only Egypt and Algeria in Africa. Egypt hold Africa’s strongest military overall, but came second in naval strength with 149 vessels. Algeria ranked third in naval power with 111 ships. Morocco and South Africa followed with 100 and 63 vessels, respectively.
Despite its strength, the Nigerian Navy continue to face challenges, including piracy and territorial disputes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Source: Globalfirepower
