Tinubu Commissions Three Naval Vessels, Hails Nigerian Navy at 70
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday commended the Nigerian Navy for its seven decades of dedication, sacrifice and professionalism in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
The President made the remarks at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.
During the event, President Tinubu commissioned three naval vessels—NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara—to strengthen the Navy’s operational capabilities.
As the reviewing officer, the President praised the Navy’s achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling and other transnational crimes within the Gulf of Guinea.
He particularly lauded the Navy’s sustained efforts against crude oil theft and maritime criminality, noting that the operations had contributed significantly to increased oil production, improved national revenue and enhanced investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
President Tinubu also commended the Navy’s contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, describing the service as an indispensable pillar of national and regional security.
He praised the professionalism and courage of the Navy’s Special Boat Service and expressed confidence that the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines to operational theatres would further strengthen security operations nationwide.
The President noted that Nigeria’s maritime domain remains a vital component of the country’s economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange earnings and a key route for international trade.
According to him, the effective deployment of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and enforcement operations by the Navy has helped eradicate piracy in Nigerian waters and significantly reduced crude oil theft and related maritime crimes.
He said the achievements have improved security in coastal communities, supported economic growth and enhanced regional maritime stability.
President Tinubu also applauded the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, regional partners and international allies in ensuring safer maritime operations within the Gulf of Guinea.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy, the President pledged continued investment in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training and capacity development.
He congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans and families of naval personnel on the milestone anniversary and urged them to remain dedicated to duty and national service.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent successes to strategic investments, policy support and strong leadership provided by the Tinubu administration.
He noted that the acquisition of modern platforms, improved surveillance capabilities and enhanced collaboration among security agencies have significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
The naval chief reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and pledged that the service would remain resolute in defending Nigeria’s maritime domain against all threats.
He also assured Nigerians that the Navy would continue to leverage technology, innovation and strategic partnerships to sustain gains recorded in the fight against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery and other maritime crimes.
The event attracted senior government officials, military leaders, foreign naval delegations and representatives of Gulf of Guinea nations, highlighting growing international cooperation in maritime security and regional stability.
Tinubu Commissions Three Naval Vessels, Hails Nigerian Navy at 70