LAGOS, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu on Monday commended the Nigerian Navy for its role in protecting the country’s maritime domain over the past 70 years, while commissioning three new naval vessels during celebrations marking the service’s anniversary.
Speaking at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos, the president described the Navy as a critical pillar of national and regional security. He commissioned NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara as part of activities commemorating the Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Okay News reports that Tinubu praised the Navy’s operations against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea. He said the service’s efforts had contributed to increased oil production, higher government revenue and improved investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The president also acknowledged the Navy’s involvement in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, particularly the work of its Special Boat Service and the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines to operational theatres. He said the Navy had become indispensable to both national and regional security.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s maritime domain remains a vital component of the national economy and a major source of foreign exchange earnings. He credited the Navy’s integration of surveillance systems, rapid-response capabilities and enforcement operations with helping eliminate piracy in Nigerian waters and significantly reducing maritime crimes.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy, the president pledged continued investment in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training and capacity development. He also thanked foreign naval delegations and international partners for participating in the fleet review.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, attributed recent successes in maritime security to government support, strategic investments and enhanced collaboration among security agencies. He said improved surveillance capabilities and modern equipment had strengthened efforts against piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing and other maritime threats across the Gulf of Guinea.
Abbas also reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial waters and protecting national interests, while pledging to continue leveraging technology, innovation and international partnerships to sustain recent gains in maritime security.
