The Nigerian Navy has said more than 2,200 Nigerians participated in its landmark “Sail with the Nigerian Navy” initiative held as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th Anniversary celebrations.
According to the Navy, the programme, conducted on Monday, opened naval ships to members of the public, allowing civilians to experience naval operations firsthand and gain insight into maritime security activities across the country.
The initiative attracted massive nationwide interest, with over 18,000 applications submitted through an online registration platform. Successful applicants were selected through an electronic raffle process and assigned to sailing points in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar.
A total of 725 civilians embarked on sea trips aboard nine Nigerian Navy ships, while another 1,000 participants took part in guided tours and static fleet displays onboard naval platforms.
Participants were exposed to various aspects of naval operations, including shipboard safety procedures, operational routines and interactions with naval personnel, aimed at deepening public understanding of the Service’s role in securing Nigeria’s maritime environment.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, said the programme demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations and promoting greater public appreciation of maritime security operations and the Service’s contributions to national development.
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, A Mustapha, noted that the exercise created an avenue for meaningful engagement between naval personnel and civilians, helping to reinforce trust, transparency and public ownership of maritime security efforts.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the large turnout despite heavy rainfall in Lagos reflected the growing interest of Nigerians in the activities of the Nigerian Navy and underscored the Service’s determination to remain connected with the people.
