Tinubu Hails Navy at 70, Commissions Three Warships, Pledges More Support for Maritime Security

Matilda Omonaiye/

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday lauded the Nigerian Navy for seven decades of safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, describing the service as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture and economic prosperity.

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 celebration.

At the event, Tinubu commissioned three newly acquired naval vessels, NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara, in a move aimed at strengthening the Navy’s operational capabilities and enhancing maritime security.

Addressing naval officers, foreign delegations, and other dignitaries as the reviewing officer of the fleet review, the President praised the Navy’s sustained efforts in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

According to him, the Navy’s operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality have contributed significantly to increased oil production, improved government revenue, and greater investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“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 expressed confidence that the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres would further strengthen national security efforts.

“The Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security,” the President said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas celebrating the Nigerian Navy at 70

Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s maritime domain remains a major source of foreign exchange earnings and a vital route for international trade, commending the Navy for protecting the nation’s vast coastal and offshore assets.

He credited the service with successfully eradicating piracy in Nigerian waters through the deployment of advanced surveillance systems, rapid-response mechanisms, and robust enforcement operations.

“Your theme for this milestone event, ‘Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,’ is not merely a slogan but a proven reality,” he said. “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.”

The President also acknowledged the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, regional partners, and international allies in making the Gulf of Guinea safer for maritime commerce.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the service, Tinubu promised continued investment in modern platforms, cutting-edge technology, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development.

He congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans, and families of naval personnel on the service’s 70th anniversary, urging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to duty and national service.

In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent operational successes to strategic investments, strong policy backing, and leadership support from President Tinubu.
He said the acquisition of modern platforms, improved surveillance capabilities, and stronger inter-agency collaboration had significantly enhanced Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.

According to him, these efforts have enabled the Navy to intensify its campaign against piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

The naval chief reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the President, pledging that the Navy would remain vigilant in defending Nigeria’s maritime interests.

He also paid tribute to serving and retired naval personnel whose sacrifices and dedication, he said, had transformed the Nigerian Navy into one of the region’s most formidable maritime forces.

Abbas assured Nigerians that the Navy would continue to leverage technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships to sustain gains recorded in maritime security operations.
The event attracted an array of dignitaries, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, and senior military officers.
Chiefs of Naval Staff from several Gulf of Guinea countries, including Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as delegations from Europe and former service chiefs, also attended the ceremony.