President Bola Tinubu on Monday commended the Nigerian Navy for its seven decades of service in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, describing the force as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture and economic growth.

The President spoke 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.

At the event, Tinubu commissioned three naval vessels—NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara—while applauding the Navy’s contributions to maritime security, anti-piracy operations and the protection of Nigeria’s economic interests.

Serving as the reviewing officer, the President praised the Navy for its achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

According to him, the Navy’s sustained operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality have significantly increased oil production, boosted national revenue and enhanced investor confidence in the country’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 the nation’s security efforts.

“Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security,” the President added.

Tinubu also acknowledged the presence of foreign naval delegations and friendly nations at the International Fleet Review, describing their participation as evidence of growing international collaboration aimed at promoting maritime security and shared prosperity.

He noted that over the years, the Nigerian Navy has evolved into a formidable maritime force whose operational successes have enhanced security within Nigeria’s territorial waters while contributing to regional and global maritime stability.

Highlighting the strategic importance of Nigeria’s maritime space, the President described the sector as a major source of foreign exchange and a critical route for international trade.

“Nigeria’s maritime domain, endowed with immense natural wealth, remains a vital pillar of our national economy. I commend the Nigerian Navy for its steadfast guardianship of this strategic space,” he said.

The President attributed the Navy’s successes to the effective deployment of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and enforcement operations, which he said have virtually eliminated piracy in Nigerian waters and significantly reduced crude oil theft and related maritime crimes.

He noted that these achievements have improved security in coastal communities and contributed to increased oil production, thereby supporting economic growth.

Tinubu said the anniversary theme, “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” accurately reflected the Navy’s record of service and achievements.

“As we look to the future, I am confident that the Nigerian Navy will sustain this momentum and continue to secure the maritime environment as a thriving engine of our blue economy,” he said.

The President further praised the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, regional partners and international allies in ensuring safer waters across the Gulf of Guinea for commercial shipping and maritime activities.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through sustained investments in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training and capacity building.

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, patriotism and national service.

In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas credited the Navy’s recent successes to strategic investments, policy support and leadership provided by the Tinubu administration.

He said the acquisition of modern naval platforms, improved surveillance capabilities and enhanced inter-agency collaboration had significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security framework.

According to him, these measures have enabled the Navy to intensify operations against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery and other transnational maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

The naval chief reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, pledging that the Service would remain vigilant in defending Nigeria’s maritime interests.

He also paid tribute to past and present naval personnel whose sacrifices and dedication helped transform the Nigerian Navy into a respected force.

Abbas assured Nigerians that the Navy would continue to embrace technology, innovation and strategic partnerships to sustain recent gains in maritime security and protect the nation’s waters from emerging threats.

The event attracted top government officials, military leaders and international delegations.

Among those in attendance were the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy and former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing the Senate President; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.); Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Also present were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; and Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

Naval chiefs from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, as well as delegations from several European countries and former service chiefs, also attended the ceremony.

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