Navy at 70: President Tinubu Applauds Anti-Piracy Successes, Pledges More Support

By our Correspondent
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Navy for its 70 years of dedication and sacrifice in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain and safeguarding the country’s economic interests.

Speaking on Monday during the 2026 International Fleet Review at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos, held as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary, the President also commissioned three naval vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara.
As the reviewing officer at the event, Tinubu applauded the Navy’s achievements in tackling piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes within the Gulf of Guinea.
He particularly commended the Service’s sustained operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality, noting that these efforts have contributed significantly to increased oil production, improved national revenue, and strengthened investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The President also acknowledged the Navy’s role in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, praising the professionalism and courage of the Special Boat Service in carrying out complex missions.
According to him, the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres is expected to further enhance the Service’s successes, describing the Navy as an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to friendly nations and foreign navies that participated in the International Fleet Review, describing their presence as evidence of growing international cooperation aimed at promoting maritime security and shared prosperity.
He noted that over the years, the Nigerian Navy has developed into a formidable maritime force whose operational successes have improved security within Nigeria’s territorial waters while contributing to regional and global maritime stability.
The President emphasized that Nigeria’s maritime domain remains a vital component of the nation’s economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange earnings and an important route for international trade. He commended the Navy for effectively protecting this strategic asset.
He further highlighted the Navy’s successful integration of surveillance systems, rapid response capabilities, and robust enforcement operations, which have helped eliminate piracy in Nigerian waters and significantly reduce crude oil theft and related maritime crimes.
According to him, these achievements have improved security in coastal communities, boosted oil production, and supported national economic growth.
Tinubu described the anniversary theme, “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” as a reflection of the Navy’s proven record, expressing confidence that the Service would continue to build on its successes and strengthen the nation’s blue economy.
He also praised the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, regional partners, and international allies in making the Gulf of Guinea safer for maritime trade and commercial shipping.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the Navy, the President pledged continued investment in modern platforms, advanced technologies, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development to strengthen its operational effectiveness.
He 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 dedicated to duty, patriotism, and national service.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent successes to strategic investments, policy support, and strong leadership provided by President Tinubu.
He stated that the acquisition of modern platforms, improved surveillance systems, and stronger collaboration among security agencies have significantly enhanced Nigeria’s maritime security framework.
The Naval Chief explained that these efforts have enabled the Service to intensify operations against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery, and other transnational maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Abbas reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the President, assuring that the Navy would remain vigilant and committed to protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment against all threats.
He also paid tribute to serving and retired naval personnel whose sacrifices and dedication have contributed to the growth of the Nigerian Navy into a formidable force.
The Chief of Naval Staff assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to embrace technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships to secure the nation’s maritime space and sustain achievements recorded in the fight against maritime crime.
Among dignitaries present at the event were former Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing the Senate President; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd); Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Others in attendance included the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; and Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu.
Chiefs of Naval Staff from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, alongside delegations from European countries and former military service chiefs, also attended the event.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)