Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the Nigerian Navy for its 70‑year legacy of securing the nation's maritime domain, declaring that the service has "successfully eradicated piracy in our waters" and significantly curtailed crude oil theft, thereby contributing directly to increased oil production and national economic growth. The President spoke on Monday, 1 June 2026, as the Special Guest of Honour at the International Fleet Review commemorating the Navy's 70th anniversary, held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos.
Tinubu also commissioned three new warships – NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara – into the national fleet, describing the induction as a reflection of his administration's unwavering commitment to the recapitalisation of the Nigerian Navy. The event, which drew foreign naval delegations from Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone and other partners, featured a grand parade of ships, aerial combat displays, and the inauguration of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea, a multinational initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation against transnational maritime crimes.
The President linked the Navy's operational successes to tangible economic gains. "Through the effective integration of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and robust enforcement operations, you have successfully eradicated piracy in our waters and significantly curtailed crude oil theft and associated maritime crimes," Tinubu said. "These achievements have enhanced the security of our littoral communities and contributed to increased oil production, thereby supporting national economic growth."
Beyond its traditional maritime role, Tinubu commended the Navy's expanding contribution to internal security, particularly the courage and professionalism of the Special Boat Service (SBS) and the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres. He described the Navy as "an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security."
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, attributed the Navy's recent successes to strategic federal investments and strong presidential support, noting ongoing fleet modernisation, the use of emerging technologies, and the successful training of the first batch of 328 Nigerian Navy Marines. He pledged that the Navy would continue to work day and night to secure Nigeria's maritime territory.
Senior government officials at the event included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, and Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa.
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