President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Navy for seven decades of service in protecting the nation’s maritime domain, describing the Service as a critical pillar of national and regional security.
The President made the remarks on Monday during the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
He also commissioned three newly acquired naval vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara.
Speaking as the reviewing officer at the event, Tinubu praised the Navy’s operational achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, smuggling, and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
He noted that the Navy’s sustained crackdown on crude oil theft and criminal activities at sea has contributed significantly to increased oil production, improved government revenue, and enhanced investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu also commended the Navy’s role in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, particularly the contributions of its Special Boat Service and the recently inducted Nigerian Navy Marines.
“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,” he stated.
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The President described Nigeria’s maritime environment as a vital component of the national economy and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through sustained investments in modern platforms, technology, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development.
He also acknowledged the Navy’s collaboration with regional and international partners in improving security across the Gulf of Guinea, noting that the presence of foreign naval delegations at the Fleet Review reflected growing international cooperation in maritime security.
Tinubu congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans, and families of naval personnel on the milestone anniversary, urging them to remain committed to duty and national service.
Earlier, Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent successes to strategic investments and policy support from the Federal Government.
According to him, the acquisition of modern equipment, improved surveillance capabilities, and stronger inter-agency collaboration have significantly enhanced Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial waters and combating maritime threats, including piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing, and other transnational crimes.
“The Nigerian Navy will continue to leverage technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships to secure the nation’s maritime environment and sustain the gains already recorded,” Abbas said.
The event attracted senior government officials, military chiefs, foreign naval commanders, former service chiefs, and representatives of Gulf of Guinea nations, highlighting the strategic importance of maritime security to regional stability and economic development.