Tinubu commissions three Naval vessels, praises Navy at 70

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday commended the Nigerian Navy for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain over the past seven decades, describing the Service as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture and economic growth.

The President spoke at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th Anniversary. During the event, he commissioned three naval vessels—NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, 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.

The President particularly lauded the Navy’s sustained operations against crude oil theft, noting that the efforts had boosted oil production, increased national revenue and strengthened investor confidence in the maritime sector.

“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 added: “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 described the Navy as a formidable maritime force whose operational successes have enhanced security within Nigeria’s territorial waters and contributed to regional and international maritime stability.

He noted that Nigeria’s maritime resources remain vital to the nation’s economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and a key route for international trade.

“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,” he said.

President Tinubu also acknowledged the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, regional partners and international allies in ensuring safer commercial shipping activities across the Gulf of Guinea.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy, the President pledged continued investment in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training and capacity development.

He congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans and families of naval personnel on the Service’s 70th anniversary and urged them to remain dedicated to duty and national service.

Speaking at the event, Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent successes to strategic investments, policy support and strong leadership provided by the Federal Government.

He said the acquisition of modern platforms, improved surveillance capabilities and enhanced inter-agency collaboration had significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security framework.

According to him, these interventions have enabled the Navy to intensify operations against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery and other maritime crimes within the Gulf of Guinea.

The Chief of Naval Staff reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, assuring Nigerians that the Navy would remain vigilant in protecting the nation’s maritime environment.

He also pledged that the Service would continue to leverage technology, innovation and strategic partnerships to sustain gains recorded in the fight against maritime crime.

The event attracted top government officials, military chiefs, foreign naval delegations and former Service Chiefs.

Among those in attendance were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other senior military officers.

Chiefs of Naval Staff from several Gulf of Guinea countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, also attended the ceremony.