By Ogochukwu Isioma
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Navy for seven decades of service in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain, combating criminality at sea and strengthening national security.
The President spoke on Monday at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at Eko Atlantic as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary.
During the event, Tinubu inaugurated three naval vessels, NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara, describing them as strategic additions to the nation’s maritime security architecture.
The President praised the Navy’s role in tackling piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, smuggling and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Through the effective integration of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and robust enforcement operations, you have successfully eradicated piracy in our waters and significantly curtailed crude oil theft and associated maritime crimes,” Tinubu said.
According to him, the Navy’s operations have contributed significantly to increased oil production, improved government revenue and growing investor confidence in the maritime sector.
He also acknowledged the Navy’s contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts beyond the maritime environment.
“Beyond the maritime domain, I also commend the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country,” the President stated.
“The courage and professionalism demonstrated by the Special Boat Service in executing complex missions are truly commendable.”
Tinubu expressed confidence that the induction of Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres would further strengthen national security efforts.
“Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security,” he added.
The President further commended the Navy’s collaboration with regional and international partners in securing the Gulf of Guinea and promoting maritime safety.
“Nigeria’s maritime domain, endowed with immense natural wealth, remains a vital pillar of our national economy,” he said.
“I commend the Nigerian Navy for its steadfast guardianship of this strategic space.”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the armed forces, Tinubu pledged continued investment in naval platforms, technology, personnel welfare and capacity building.
“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,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, attributed recent successes recorded by the Navy to strategic investments and sustained support from the Federal Government.
“The acquisition of modern platforms, enhanced surveillance capabilities and sustained collaboration among security agencies have significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture,” Abbas said.
He noted that these measures had enabled the Navy to intensify operations against piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft and other maritime crimes across the Gulf of Guinea.
The naval chief reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and pledged continued commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and maritime assets.
“We will continue to leverage technology, innovation and strategic partnerships to secure the nation’s maritime environment and sustain the gains already made in combating maritime crime,” he stated.
Among dignitaries at the event were Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, as well as military chiefs and naval delegations from several Gulf of Guinea nations.
