President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, June 1, 2026, commended the Nigerian Navy for its dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and protecting Nigeria’s economic interests over the past 70 years.
The President gave the commendation during the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th Anniversary.
At the event, Tinubu also commissioned three naval vessels, NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara.
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.
He particularly applauded the Service for its sustained crackdown on crude oil theft and maritime criminality, noting that the operations had boosted oil production, improved government revenue and enhanced investor confidence in the maritime sector.
“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.
He added that the Navy’s efforts had improved security in coastal communities and contributed to national economic growth.
The President also commended the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, especially the role of the Special Boat Service in executing complex missions.
“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,” he stated.
Tinubu described the Navy’s anniversary theme, “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” as a reflection of the force’s remarkable achievements and resilience over the years.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Navy through investments in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training and capacity development.
The President also acknowledged the collaboration between the Nigerian Navy, other security agencies, regional partners and international allies in securing the Gulf of Guinea for commercial shipping and maritime activities.
He thanked foreign navies and friendly nations that participated in the International Fleet Review, describing their presence as a sign of growing international cooperation in maritime security.
Tinubu congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans and families of naval personnel on the milestone anniversary and urged them to remain committed to patriotism and national service.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent successes to strategic investments, policy support and strong leadership by the President.
He said the acquisition of modern platforms, improved surveillance systems and collaboration among security agencies had significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
According to him, the interventions had 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 pledged that the Service would remain resolute in defending Nigeria’s maritime domain against all threats.
He also paid tribute to past and present naval personnel whose sacrifices, he said, had shaped the Nigerian Navy into a formidable force.
Dignitaries at the event included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara State Governor 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 several Gulf of Guinea countries, including Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as delegations from European countries, also attended the ceremony.
