President Bola Tinubu on Monday praised the Nigerian Navy for seven decades of safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, describing the service as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security and economic growth.
Speaking at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos to mark the Navy’s 70th anniversary, the President also commissioned three naval vessels—NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara.
Tinubu commended the Navy’s achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea. He noted that sustained operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality had contributed to increased oil production, higher national revenue, and improved investor confidence.
The President also lauded the Navy’s role in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, particularly the efforts of its Special Boat Service and the recent deployment of Navy Marines to operational theatres.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy has evolved into a formidable maritime force whose operational successes have strengthened security within Nigeria’s territorial waters while contributing to regional and international maritime stability.
He highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s maritime domain to the national economy, describing it as a major source of foreign exchange and a vital route for global trade. Tinubu said the Navy’s integration of surveillance systems, rapid-response mechanisms, and enforcement operations had helped eradicate piracy in Nigerian waters and significantly reduce crude oil theft and related crimes.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through continued investment in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development.
He also acknowledged the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, regional partners, and international allies in making the Gulf of Guinea safer for commercial shipping and maritime activities.
Congratulating the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans, and their families, Tinubu urged them to remain committed to duty, 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 President Tinubu. He said the acquisition of modern platforms, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and improved inter-agency collaboration had strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
The naval chief reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and pledged that the service would remain vigilant in defending Nigeria’s maritime domain against emerging threats.
The event attracted top government officials, military chiefs, foreign naval delegations, and former service chiefs. Among those in attendance were States Governors ; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, NSA ,Nuhu Ribadu, and senior military commanders from Nigeria and other Gulf of Guinea nations.
The International Fleet Review formed part of activities commemorating the Nigerian Navy’s 70 years of operational service and maritime security excellence.
