By Kofoworola Fakeye, JKNewsMedia Reporter
NIGERIA’s MARITIME security efforts received fresh commendation on Monday as President Bola Tinubu praised the Nigerian Navy for 70 years of commitment and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and protecting its economic interests.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that speaking at the 2026 International Fleet Review at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th Anniversary, the President also commissioned three Nigerian Naval vessels, NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara.
As reviewing officer, President Tinubu commended the Navy’s achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
He specifically praised the Navy’s sustained operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality, stating that the efforts had significantly boosted oil production, improved national revenue and strengthened investor confidence in Nigeria’s 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.
“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,” the President said.
He also thanked friendly nations and foreign navies for attending the International Fleet Review, describing the gathering as evidence of growing international cooperation for maritime security and collective prosperity.
He said the Nigerian Navy had evolved into a formidable maritime force whose operational successes had enhanced security within Nigeria’s territorial waters and contributed to regional and international maritime stability.
“Nigeria’s maritime domain, endowed with immense natural wealth, remains a vital pillar of our national economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and a critical artery for global trade. I commend the Nigerian Navy for its steadfast guardianship of this strategic space.
“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.
“These achievements have enhanced the security of our littoral communities and contributed to increased oil production, thereby supporting national economic growth.
“Your theme for this milestone event, ‘Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,’ is not merely a slogan, but a proven reality. 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,” the President also said.
Furthermore, he acknowledged the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, regional partners and international allies in ensuring the Gulf of Guinea remains safer for commercial shipping and maritime activities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy’s operational capabilities through continued investment in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training and capacity development.
President Tinubu also congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans and families of Nigerian Navy personnel on the anniversary and urged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to duty, patriotism and service to the nation.
Responding, Vice Admiral Abbas said the Navy’s recent successes were made possible through strategic investments, policy support and strong leadership from the President.
He added that the acquisition of modern platforms, enhanced surveillance capabilities and sustained collaboration among security agencies had strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
According to him, the interventions enabled the Nigerian Navy to intensify efforts against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery and other transnational maritime crimes within the Gulf of Guinea.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that Vice Admiral Abbas also reaffirmed the loyalty and commitment of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the President, pledging that the Service would remain vigilant and resolute in defending Nigeria’s maritime domain against all threats.
He also commended the sacrifices of naval personnel, past and present, whose dedication had shaped the Nigerian Navy into a formidable force.
The Chief of Naval Staff assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to leverage technology, innovation and strategic partnerships to secure the nation’s maritime environment and sustain gains made in combating maritime crime.
Dignitaries at the event included 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 were 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, as well as delegations from European countries and former Service Chiefs, also attended.
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