President Bola Tinubu on Monday praised the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to maritime security and national economic stability, describing the service as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture as it marked its 70th anniversary.
Speaking at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos, Tinubu also commissioned three naval vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara — as part of activities commemorating seven decades of the Navy’s operations.
In a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended the Navy’s efforts in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
The President said the Navy’s sustained operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality had helped boost oil production, increase government revenue and improve investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He also acknowledged the Navy’s role in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, particularly the contributions of its Special Boat Service and the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines to operational theatres.
“Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that Nigeria’s maritime domain remains a vital component of the national economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange earnings and a strategic route for international trade.
According to him, the Navy’s integration of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and enforcement operations has helped eradicate piracy in Nigerian waters while significantly reducing crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
He said these achievements had strengthened security in coastal communities and contributed to increased oil production, supporting broader economic growth.
Tinubu also commended the Navy’s collaboration with regional partners, security agencies and international allies in improving safety within the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through investments in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training and capacity development.
The President congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans and families of naval personnel on the service’s 70th anniversary and urged them to remain committed to patriotism and national service.
Earlier, Abbas attributed recent successes in maritime security to sustained government support, strategic investments and improved collaboration among security agencies.
He said the acquisition of modern naval assets and enhanced surveillance capabilities had strengthened Nigeria’s ability to combat piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery and other maritime crimes.
The naval chief pledged the continued loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the President, assuring Nigerians that the service would remain vigilant in defending the country’s maritime interests.
He also said the Navy would continue to leverage technology, innovation and strategic partnerships to sustain gains recorded in maritime security and protect Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The event attracted senior government officials, military leaders, foreign naval delegations and former service chiefs. Among those present were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle and the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
Naval chiefs and representatives from several Gulf of Guinea countries, including Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, also attended the fleet review.
