More than 2,200 Nigerians participated in the Nigerian Navy’s landmark “Sail With the Nigerian Navy” initiative as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Service.
The initiative, held on Monday across Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar, gave civilians rare firsthand experience of naval operations and life aboard warships.
According to the Nigerian Navy, the programme generated massive public interest nationwide, attracting over 18,000 applications through an online registration platform. Following an electronic raffle process, successful applicants were selected and assigned to designated sailing locations.
A total of 725 civilians embarked on sea trips aboard nine Nigerian Navy ships, while more than 1,000 other visitors participated in guided tours and static fleet displays onboard naval platforms.
Participants interacted directly with naval personnel, toured operational sections of the ships, observed safety drills and routines, and gained insight into the responsibilities of the Navy in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, described the initiative as part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and improve public understanding of maritime security operations.
He said the programme reflected the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to transparency, national development and closer engagement with citizens.
Speaking at the event held at the Western Naval Command in Apapa, Lagos, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, said the sea trip was designed to promote camaraderie, interaction and solidarity between the Navy and civilians.
“We are happy today because some of you will be able to see our capabilities and see how we function at sea,” Mustapha said.
He explained that the exercise also showcased the Navy’s operational preparedness, noting that regular drills and exercises help personnel sharpen tactics and procedures.
“One good example of our drill was with the U.S. Navy under the Obangame Express exercise which we recently conducted in Port Harcourt,” he added.
Mustapha noted that participants were taken around the Lagos river channel to view key landmarks including ports, Takwa Bay, beaches and high-rise buildings from the sea.
He added that the duration of the trip was shortened due to unfavourable weather conditions in Lagos.
The FOC stated that over the past 70 years, the Nigerian Navy had evolved into a formidable maritime force capable of protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters and critical national infrastructure.
According to him, the Navy works closely with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in securing the nation’s maritime environment.
He further disclosed that the Navy regularly collaborates with international partners including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Chinese navies during joint exercises aimed at improving operational effectiveness.
Mustapha also highlighted recent achievements of the Service, including the establishment of the Nigerian Navy Marines to support counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations inland.
He said the Nigerian Navy currently ranks among the leading naval forces in Africa in terms of operational platforms and capabilities.
The naval chief added that multinational exercises such as the Grand African Nemo exercise in the Gulf of Guinea had earned the Nigerian Navy international recognition as one of Africa’s most professional naval forces.
The Navy said the overwhelming turnout for the initiative, despite heavy rainfall in Lagos, demonstrated growing public interest in the Service and reaffirmed its commitment to remaining connected to the people it serves.
