RismadarVoice Reporters
June 1, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday commended the Nigerian Navy for its seven decades of service in securing the nation’s maritime domain, describing the force as a critical pillar of national and regional security.
The President spoke at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, Lagos, as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.
During the event, Tinubu commissioned three naval vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara — and praised the Navy’s contributions to combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
According to the President, the Navy’s sustained operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality have helped boost Nigeria’s oil production, increase government revenue, and improve investor confidence in the country’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,” Tinubu said.
He also lauded the Navy’s role in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, particularly the efforts of the Special Boat Service and the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines to operational theatres.
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.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Navy through continued investments in modern equipment, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development.
Tinubu further acknowledged the collaboration between the Navy, other security agencies, regional partners, and international allies in improving security within the Gulf of Guinea and ensuring safer conditions for maritime commerce.
The President congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, as well as officers, ratings, veterans, and families of naval personnel on the anniversary celebration, urging them to remain committed to professionalism, patriotism, and national service.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent achievements to sustained government support, strategic investments, and improved inter-agency cooperation.
He said the acquisition of modern platforms and enhanced surveillance capabilities had strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and enabled the Navy to intensify operations against piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes.
The naval chief pledged the continued loyalty of officers and personnel to the Constitution and the President, assuring Nigerians that the Service would remain vigilant in protecting the country’s maritime interests.
The event attracted top government officials, military chiefs, foreign naval delegations, and representatives of Gulf of Guinea countries, underscoring growing international cooperation in maritime security.
