President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday commended the Nigerian Navy for seven decades of dedication to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, describing the Service as a critical pillar of national and regional security.
Speaking at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th Anniversary, the President also commissioned three naval vessels—NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara.
Tinubu praised the Navy’s achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes within the Gulf of Guinea, noting that its operations have significantly boosted oil production, increased national revenue, and strengthened investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He further lauded the Navy’s contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, particularly the role of its Special Boat Service in executing complex missions.
“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.
He expressed confidence that the recent induction of Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres would further enhance the Service’s effectiveness, describing the Navy as an indispensable institution in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Tinubu also acknowledged the presence of foreign naval delegations and friendly nations at the Fleet Review, describing the event as evidence of growing international cooperation aimed at ensuring maritime security and collective prosperity.
According to him, the Nigerian 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.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through sustained investment in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development.
He urged officers, ratings, veterans, and families of naval personnel to remain committed to duty, patriotism, and service to the nation.
In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, attributed the Navy’s recent successes to strategic investments, policy support, and strong leadership from President Tinubu.
He noted that the acquisition of modern platforms, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and increased inter-agency collaboration had significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security framework and intensified efforts against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery, and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
The naval chief reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and pledged that the Service would remain vigilant in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain against all threats.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, foreign naval commanders from Gulf of Guinea countries, former military leaders, and representatives from European nations.
