President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday praised the Nigerian Navy for its 70 years of dedicated service in protecting the nation’s maritime territory and advancing Nigeria’s economic interests.
Speaking at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary, the President commended the force for its professionalism, resilience, and sacrifices over the decades. During the event, he also commissioned three naval vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara.
As the reviewing officer, President Tinubu highlighted the Navy’s successes in tackling piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other cross-border crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
He particularly acknowledged the Navy’s consistent efforts in curbing crude oil theft and other maritime offences, noting that these achievements have contributed to increased oil production, enhanced government revenue, and boosted investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Navy for its 70 years of dedicated service in protecting the country’s maritime environment and supporting national economic growth.
The President made the commendation on Monday during the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary. During the event, he also commissioned three new naval vessels—NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara.
Speaking as the reviewing officer, Tinubu acknowledged the Navy’s remarkable achievements in tackling piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, smuggling, and other maritime crimes across the Gulf of Guinea. He noted that the Service’s sustained operations against oil theft and criminal activities at sea have contributed significantly to increased oil production, improved government revenue, and enhanced investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The President also commended the Navy’s role in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, highlighting the professionalism and bravery of the Special Boat Service in carrying out complex missions.
According to him, the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres is expected to further strengthen national security efforts.
“Over the years, the Nigerian Navy has grown into an indispensable institution in safeguarding both Nigeria’s security and regional stability,” he said.
Tinubu also expressed appreciation to foreign navies and partner nations that participated in the International Fleet Review, describing their presence as a reflection of the growing international collaboration aimed at promoting maritime security and shared prosperity.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s maritime domain remains a critical driver of the nation’s economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and facilitating global trade. He credited the Navy for maintaining security within the nation’s waters through effective surveillance, rapid response operations, and robust enforcement measures.
The President stated that the anniversary theme, “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” accurately reflects the Navy’s achievements and expressed confidence that the Service would continue to play a key role in advancing Nigeria’s blue economy.
He further praised the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, regional partners, and international allies in making the Gulf of Guinea safer for commercial shipping and maritime activities.
Reaffirming his administration’s support, Tinubu pledged continued investment in modern naval platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development to strengthen the Navy’s operational capabilities.
The President congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, alongside officers, ratings, veterans, and their families, urging them to remain committed to duty, patriotism, and national service.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent successes to strong leadership, strategic investments, and policy support from the Federal Government. He noted that the acquisition of modern platforms, enhanced surveillance systems, and improved inter-agency cooperation have significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
He added that these efforts have enabled the Navy to intensify operations against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Naval Chief reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, assuring Nigerians that the Navy would remain vigilant in protecting the country’s maritime interests.
He also paid tribute to past and present naval personnel whose sacrifices and dedication have helped shape the Nigerian Navy into one of the region’s most formidable maritime forces.
The event attracted several top government officials, military leaders, foreign naval representatives, former Service Chiefs, and delegates from countries across the Gulf of Guinea and Europe, underscoring the significance of the Navy’s 70th anniversary celebration.
