By Nkechi Eze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Nigerian Navy as the most formidable naval force in Africa, commending its operational achievements in maritime security, counterterrorism, and regional cooperation as the Service celebrated its 70th Anniversary with an International Fleet Review in Lagos.
Speaking at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the landmark event, President Tinubu said the Navy’s evolution from a colonial marine department established in 1956 into a modern and sophisticated maritime force reflected decades of dedication, professionalism, and strategic development.
The President noted that the Navy had become a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economic prosperity and national security, safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, which serves as a major source of foreign exchange and a vital channel for global trade.
He praised the Service for effectively deploying surveillance systems, rapid-response mechanisms, and robust enforcement operations that have eradicated piracy in Nigerian waters and significantly reduced crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
According to President Tinubu, these achievements have enhanced the security of coastal communities, increased oil production, and contributed positively to national economic growth.
The President also commended the Nigerian Navy’s role in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, particularly the performance of the Special Boat Service and the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres.
“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 stated.
President Tinubu further inaugurated the Combined Maritime Task Force, describing it as a major step towards strengthening multinational cooperation in maritime governance and security within the Gulf of Guinea. He commended Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone for their pioneering efforts in establishing the initiative and pledged Nigeria’s continued support.
The President also demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to naval recapitalisation by commissioning three new vessels into the Nigerian Navy fleet, while reaffirming support for indigenous shipbuilding and the development of a responsive and capable naval force.
Earlier, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, welcomed President Tinubu, heads of foreign navies, distinguished guests, and international partners to the Fleet Review, describing the event as a celebration of both the Navy’s achievements and the enduring partnership between the Federal Government and the Service.
Vice Admiral Abbas said the administration’s sustained investment in the Navy had strengthened its ability to protect Nigeria’s territorial waters and contribute to security across the Gulf of Guinea.
He noted that the Nigerian Navy had continued to deepen maritime security cooperation with partner nations, a development he said contributed significantly to sustaining a zero-piracy status in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Naval Chief disclosed that the Combined Maritime Task Force, which received the support of President Tinubu, would remain on standby to address emerging maritime threats while supporting humanitarian and peacekeeping operations within the West African sub-region.
According to him, the Fleet Review was not merely a ceremonial event but a demonstration of the collective commitment of regional and international navies to securing shared maritime spaces.
Vice Admiral Abbas also highlighted the Navy’s ongoing fleet recapitalisation programme, which culminated in the induction of three new ships, describing the acquisition as a significant milestone in strengthening operational capability and maritime security.
He further revealed that the Navy was embracing emerging technologies, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Artificial Intelligence, to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness, improve situational awareness, and strengthen efforts against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, smuggling, and other maritime crimes.
The Chief of the Naval Staff emphasized that alongside technological advancement, the Navy remained committed to human capacity development through rigorous training and professional education.
He cited the recent training and induction of the first batch of 328 Nigerian Navy Marines as a major boost to operational effectiveness, noting that the elite force would strengthen maritime security operations, counterterrorism efforts, and responses to inland security challenges.
Vice Admiral Abbas reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to addressing emerging maritime threats, sustaining collaboration with other security agencies and international allies, and protecting Nigeria’s strategic maritime assets.
He also pledged the continued loyalty of officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy to President Tinubu and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The International Fleet Review, held as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th Anniversary, brought together naval leaders and maritime stakeholders from several countries, showcasing Nigeria’s growing naval capabilities and its leadership role in maritime security across Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
