By Umar Idris Shuaibu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Navy for its seven decades of dedication to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
The President spoke on Monday at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
During the event, President Tinubu commissioned three naval vessels, the NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara as part of efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the Service.
The President praised the Navy for its achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes within the Gulf of Guinea.
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According to him, the Service’s sustained operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality have contributed significantly to increased oil production, improved national revenue, and enhanced investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He expressed confidence that the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres would further strengthen national security efforts.
The President described the Navy as an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security, noting that Nigeria’s maritime resources remain a critical component of the country’s economy and a major source of foreign exchange earnings.
Tinubu also commended the Navy’s successful integration of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms, and enforcement operations, which he said had helped eradicate piracy in Nigerian waters and drastically reduced crude oil theft and related maritime crimes.
He noted that the theme of the anniversary, “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” reflected the Navy’s achievements over the years and expressed optimism that the Service would continue to protect Nigeria’s maritime environment and support the nation’s blue economy.
The President further acknowledged the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, regional partners, and international allies in enhancing maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through sustained investments in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development.
President Tinubu congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans, and families of naval personnel on the milestone anniversary and urged them to remain committed to duty and national service.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent successes to strategic investments, policy support, and leadership provided by the Federal Government.
He said the acquisition of modern platforms, improved surveillance capabilities, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration had significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
The naval chief reiterated the commitment of officers and ratings to defending Nigeria’s territorial waters and combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery, and other maritime crimes.
He also assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to leverage technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships to sustain the gains recorded in maritime security operations.
The event attracted top government officials, military leaders, foreign naval delegations, and other dignitaries from across Africa and beyond who gathered to celebrate the Nigerian Navy’s 70 years of service to the nation.