President Bola Tinubu on Monday commended the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to maritime security and national development as the service marked its 70th anniversary in Lagos.

The President made the remarks at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, where he also commissioned three naval vessels: NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara.

Tinubu Praises Maritime Security Efforts

Speaking as the reviewing officer, Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the Navy’s efforts in tackling piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling and other crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

He noted that operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality have helped boost oil production, improve government revenue and strengthen investor confidence.

“Beyond the maritime domain, I also commend the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country,” Tinubu said.

He also praised the Navy’s Special Boat Service and expressed confidence that the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines would further enhance security operations.

Navy Described as Key Security Institution

The President described the Navy as a critical pillar of national and regional security, highlighting its role in protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters and supporting economic activities.

According to him, the effective use of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and enforcement operations has helped eliminate piracy in Nigerian waters while reducing crude oil theft and related crimes.

“Your theme for this milestone event, ‘Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,’ is not merely a slogan but a proven reality,” he said.

Tinubu also thanked foreign naval delegations and partner countries for participating in the fleet review, describing their presence as a sign of growing international cooperation in maritime security.

Commitment to Naval Modernisation

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Navy through investments in modern platforms, 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 for their service to the country.

Naval Chief Highlights Progress

Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent successes to government support, strategic investments and improved collaboration among security agencies.

He said the acquisition of modern platforms and enhanced surveillance capabilities had strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and improved efforts against piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery and illegal fishing.

The naval chief pledged the continued loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and assured Nigerians that the Navy would remain committed to protecting the nation’s maritime domain.

Top Dignitaries Attend Event

Among dignitaries present were Babajide Sanwo-Olu, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, and senior military and security officials.

Chiefs of Naval Staff from several Gulf of Guinea countries, including Ghana, Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone, also attended the event.