AfriPulse
June 1 (THEWILL) — President Bola 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 national and regional security, as he commissioned three new naval vessels during the 2026 International Fleet Review in Lagos.
The President, who served as the reviewing officer at the event held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, commissioned NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
Addressing naval officers, foreign delegates and top government officials, Tinubu praised the Navy’s operational record in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea, saying its efforts have yielded significant economic and security gains for Nigeria.
According to the President, the Navy’s sustained operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality have contributed to increased oil production, improved government revenue and strengthened 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 added that the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres would further enhance military successes across the country.
“Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security,” the President stated.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s maritime environment remains a strategic national asset due to its vast natural resources and importance to international commerce.
He said the Navy’s role in protecting the nation’s territorial waters had become increasingly vital to economic stability and growth.
The President credited the Service with successfully integrating surveillance systems, rapid-response capabilities and enforcement operations to eradicate piracy and significantly reduce crude oil theft and related maritime crimes.
“These achievements have enhanced the security of our littoral communities and contributed to increased oil production, thereby supporting national economic growth,” he said.
Describing the anniversary theme, “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” as a reflection of proven achievements rather than a ceremonial slogan, Tinubu expressed confidence that the Navy would continue to serve as a driving force behind Nigeria’s emerging blue economy.
He also commended the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, regional partners and international allies in improving security across the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through continued investments in modern vessels, advanced 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 historic milestone, urging them to remain committed to patriotism and national service.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent operational successes to strategic investments by the Federal Government and strong presidential support.
He said the acquisition of modern platforms, enhanced surveillance systems and improved inter-agency collaboration had significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
According to the naval chief, these interventions have enabled the Service to intensify efforts against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery and other maritime crimes within the Gulf of Guinea.
Abbas reaffirmed the Navy’s loyalty to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, pledging that officers and ratings would remain vigilant in defending Nigeria’s maritime interests against emerging threats.
He also paid tribute to past and serving naval personnel whose sacrifices and dedication, he said, had transformed the Navy into a formidable maritime force.
The Chief of Naval Staff assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to leverage technology, innovation and strategic partnerships to sustain recent gains and strengthen maritime security.
The ceremony attracted an array of senior government officials, military chiefs and foreign dignitaries, underscoring the significance of the anniversary celebration.
Among those in attendance were Gbenga Daniel, representing the Senate President; Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Also present were the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Kennedy Aneke; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; and Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
Naval chiefs from several Gulf of Guinea nations, including Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, alongside delegations from European countries and former service chiefs, also attended the fleet review.
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