By Harriet Tornguvan
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Navy for its seven decades of service in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, describing the Service as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s national and regional security architecture.
The President made the remarks 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 celebrations.
As part of the event, President Tinubu commissioned three naval vessels NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara aimed at strengthening the Navy’s operational capacity and enhancing maritime security.
The President praised the Navy’s achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes within the Gulf of Guinea. He noted that the Service’s sustained operations had contributed significantly to increased oil production, boosted national revenue, and improved investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to Tinubu, the Nigerian Navy has grown into a formidable maritime force whose operational successes have not only enhanced security within the country’s territorial waters but have also contributed to regional and global maritime stability.
He further acknowledged the presence of foreign naval delegations and representatives of friendly nations at the Fleet Review, describing their participation as a testament to growing international cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges and promoting collective prosperity.
The President urged officers, ratings, veterans, and families of naval personnel to remain steadfast in their commitment 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 operational successes to strategic investments, policy support, and strong leadership provided by the Tinubu administration.
He said the acquisition of modern platforms, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and increased collaboration among security agencies had significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security framework.
Vice Admiral Abbas noted that these efforts had intensified the fight against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery, and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea, leading to improved security outcomes across the nation’s maritime environment.
The naval chief reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and pledged that the Service would remain vigilant in protecting the country’s maritime domain against all forms of threats.
The event attracted a host of dignitaries, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, foreign naval commanders from Gulf of Guinea nations, former military leaders, and representatives of several European countries.
