President Bola Tinubu on Monday commended the Nigerian Navy for its role in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain, describing it as a key institution in the country’s security architecture.
Tinubu spoke during the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary.
The President commissioned three naval vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara — and praised the Navy’s operations against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
According to him, the Navy’s operations have contributed to improved security and increased oil production.
“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 deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines to operational theatres would further strengthen security efforts across the country.
“Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security,” he added.
Tinubu also acknowledged the participation of foreign naval delegations at the event, saying it reflected growing international cooperation on maritime security.
He noted that the maritime sector remains important to the nation’s economy.
“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 said the Navy’s use of surveillance systems, rapid-response mechanisms, and enforcement operations had helped reduce piracy and crude oil theft in Nigerian waters.
He added that the achievements had contributed to improved security in coastal communities and increased oil production.
Tinubu said the anniversary theme, “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” reflected the Navy’s record of service.
“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 reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through investments in equipment, technology, personnel welfare, and training.
He congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans, and the families of naval personnel on the anniversary.
In his remarks, Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent achievements to government support and investment in maritime security.
He said the acquisition of modern platforms, improved surveillance capabilities, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration had strengthened the country’s maritime security architecture.
According to him, the measures have enabled the Navy to intensify operations against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery, and other 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.
He also paid tribute to past and serving personnel for their contributions to the growth of the Navy.
Abbas assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to adopt technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships to protect the nation’s maritime interests.
The event was attended by senior government officials, military chiefs, and foreign naval delegations. Among those present were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, and Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi.
Also in attendance 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, attended the ceremony.
