President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Navy for its 70 years of dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain and safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
The President spoke 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.
During the event, Tinubu commissioned three new naval vessels—NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara—to enhance the Navy’s operational capacity and maritime security efforts.
As the reviewing officer at the ceremony, the President praised the Navy’s achievements in tackling piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
He particularly commended the Navy’s sustained operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality, noting that these efforts have contributed significantly to increased oil production, improved government revenue, and stronger investor confidence.
“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.
He also expressed confidence that the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres would lead to even greater successes in the country’s security operations.
“Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security,” the President added.
Tinubu thanked friendly nations and foreign naval delegations for participating in the International Fleet Review, describing their presence as evidence of growing international cooperation in promoting maritime security and economic prosperity.
According to the President, the Nigerian Navy has evolved into a formidable maritime force whose operations have enhanced security within Nigeria’s territorial waters and contributed to regional and global maritime stability.
“Nigeria’s maritime domain, endowed with immense natural wealth, remains a vital pillar of our national economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and a critical artery for global trade. I commend the Nigerian Navy for its steadfast guardianship of this strategic space,” he stated.
The President noted that through the effective deployment of surveillance systems, rapid-response capabilities, and enforcement operations, the Navy has successfully eliminated piracy in Nigerian waters and significantly reduced crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
He said these achievements have improved security in coastal communities and supported national economic growth through increased oil production.
Referring to the anniversary theme, “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” Tinubu described it as a reflection of the Navy’s achievements over the years.
“Your theme for this milestone event, ‘Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,’ is not merely a slogan but a proven reality. As we look to the future, I am confident that the Nigerian Navy will sustain this momentum and continue to secure the maritime environment as a thriving engine of our blue economy,” he said.
The President also praised the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, regional partners, and international allies in making the Gulf of Guinea safer for shipping and maritime commerce.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through investments in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development.
Tinubu congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans, and families of naval personnel on the milestone anniversary and urged them to remain committed to duty, patriotism, and national service.
Speaking at the event, Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent successes to strategic investments, government support, and strong leadership from the President.
He highlighted the acquisition of modern platforms, enhanced surveillance systems, and improved collaboration among security agencies as key factors strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
According to him, these efforts have enabled the Navy 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 officers and ratings to the Constitution and pledged that the Navy would remain vigilant in protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests.
He also paid tribute to past and present naval personnel whose sacrifices and dedication have shaped the Nigerian Navy into a respected force.
The naval chief assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to leverage technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships to sustain gains made in maritime security and safeguard the nation’s waters.
The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, defence ministers, military chiefs, lawmakers, and foreign naval delegations.
Chiefs of Naval Staff from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, as well as representatives from European countries and former Service Chiefs, also attended the celebration.
