Navy @ 70: Tinubu Hails Nigerian Navy as Africa’s Most Formidable Naval Force
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday hailed the Nigerian Navy as Africa’s most formidable naval force, commending its seven decades of commitment and sacrifice in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and protecting the nation’s economic interests.
The President gave the commendation during the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, Lagos, as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
At the event, President Tinubu, who served as the reviewing officer, also commissioned three naval vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara — reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy’s operational capabilities.
Tinubu praised the Navy’s achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea, noting that its sustained operations had significantly improved maritime security and economic stability.
According to him, the Navy’s anti-crude oil theft operations and maritime security interventions have boosted oil production, increased national revenue, and strengthened investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The President described the Nigerian Navy’s rise from a modest colonial marine department established in 1956 to a modern maritime force as a remarkable transformation that mirrors Nigeria’s own sovereignty and aspirations.
“I must therefore extend my warmest congratulations to the Nigerian Navy for emerging as the most formidable naval force in Africa,” Tinubu said.
He added that the Navy’s achievements at 70 reflected not only institutional maturity but also continental leadership in maritime security.
Beyond maritime operations, Tinubu commended the Navy for its expanding role in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns across the country.
“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 said.
“More so, with the recent induction of the Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres, I am confident that even greater successes will be recorded. Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security.”
The President further lauded the Navy’s use of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms, and robust enforcement operations, which he said had successfully eradicated piracy in Nigerian waters and significantly curtailed crude oil theft and associated maritime crimes.
“Nigeria’s maritime domain, endowed with immense natural wealth, remains a vital pillar of our national economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and a critical artery for global trade. I commend the Nigerian Navy for its steadfast guardianship of this strategic space,” he said.
He noted that the Navy’s efforts had enhanced the security of littoral communities and contributed to increased oil production, thereby supporting national economic growth.
Tinubu also thanked foreign navies and friendly nations for participating in the International Fleet Review, describing their presence as a testament to growing international cooperation for maritime security and collective prosperity.
He acknowledged the Navy’s collaboration with security agencies, regional partners, and international allies in ensuring safer commercial shipping and maritime activities within the Gulf of Guinea.
Reaffirming his administration’s support for the Service, the President pledged continued investment in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development to further strengthen the Navy’s operational readiness.
“Your theme for this milestone event, ‘Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,’ is not merely a slogan, but a proven reality. 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.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, attributed the Navy’s recent operational successes to strategic investments, policy support, and strong leadership by President Tinubu.
He said the acquisition of modern platforms, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and sustained inter-agency collaboration had strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and intensified efforts against piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Vice Admiral Abbas reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the President, assuring Nigerians that the Service would remain resolute in defending the nation’s maritime domain.
He also paid tribute to past and present naval personnel whose sacrifices, he said, shaped the Nigerian Navy into a formidable force.
Dignitaries at the event included former Ogun State governor and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, 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; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.); Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and other top military and government officials.
Chiefs of Naval Staff from Gulf of Guinea countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, as well as delegations from European countries and former service chiefs, also attended the ceremony.
By TimesNG