President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday praised the Nigerian Navy for its seven decades of service in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and protecting critical economic interests, describing the Service as an indispensable pillar of national and regional security.
The President spoke 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, he commissioned three naval vessels: NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara.
As the reviewing officer, Tinubu lauded the Navy’s achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes across the Gulf of Guinea.
He particularly commended the Service’s sustained operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality, noting that the efforts had contributed to increased oil production, improved national revenue, and strengthened 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,” the President said.
“More so, with the recent induction of the Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres, I am confident that even greater successes will be recorded. Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security.”
Tinubu also expressed appreciation to friendly nations and foreign navies that participated in the International Fleet Review, describing their presence as evidence of growing international cooperation in maritime security.
According to the President, the Navy has evolved into a formidable maritime force whose operational successes have enhanced security within Nigeria’s territorial waters while contributing to regional and international 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 said.
“Through the effective integration of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and robust enforcement operations, you have successfully eradicated piracy in our waters and significantly curtailed crude oil theft and associated maritime crimes. These achievements have enhanced the security of our littoral communities and contributed to increased oil production, thereby supporting national economic growth.”
The President described the anniversary theme, “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” as a reflection of the Navy’s proven record and expressed confidence in its ability to sustain its achievements.
“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 added.
Tinubu further 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.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Service through continued investment in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development.
The President 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 dedicated to duty, patriotism, and national service.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Naval Staff, 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, improved surveillance capabilities, and enhanced inter-agency cooperation had significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
According to Abbas, these measures 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.
“The successes recorded by the Nigerian Navy in recent years have been made possible through strategic investments, policy support, and the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to maritime security,” he said.
The naval chief reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, pledging that the Service would remain vigilant in defending Nigeria’s maritime domain against emerging threats.
He also paid tribute to past and present naval personnel whose sacrifices and dedication, he said, had shaped the Nigerian Navy into a formidable force.
Abbas assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to leverage technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships to secure the nation’s maritime environment and sustain gains recorded in the fight against maritime crime.
The ceremony attracted several top government officials, military chiefs, foreign naval delegations, former service chiefs, and representatives of Gulf of Guinea nations, underscoring the significance of the Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
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