Tinubu Commissions Three Naval Vessels, Hails Navy’s Role in Securing Nigeria’s Waters at 70 + photos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Navy for its 70 years of service in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, describing the force as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security and economic development.
The President made the remarks on Monday 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, Tinubu commissioned three naval vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara — and praised the Navy for its achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

According to the President, the Navy’s sustained operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality have contributed significantly to increased oil production, improved national revenue and enhanced investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He also lauded the Navy’s contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, particularly the professionalism of the Special Boat Service and the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines to operational theatres.

“Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that Nigeria’s maritime domain remains a vital component of the national economy and commended the Navy for effectively integrating surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and enforcement operations to eradicate piracy and reduce maritime crimes.

He further acknowledged the Navy’s collaboration with regional and international partners in improving security within the Gulf of Guinea, describing the attendance of foreign navies and friendly nations at the fleet review as evidence of growing international cooperation.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through investments in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training and capacity development.
Congratulating the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans and families of naval personnel, the President urged them to remain committed 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 from the President.
He said the acquisition of modern platforms, improved surveillance capabilities and enhanced inter-agency collaboration had strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and boosted efforts against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery and other maritime crimes.
The naval chief reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the President, pledging that the Service would remain vigilant in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He also paid tribute to past and present naval personnel for their sacrifices and assured Nigerians that the Navy would continue to leverage technology, innovation and strategic partnerships to sustain gains recorded in maritime security.
The event was attended by top government officials, military chiefs, foreign naval delegations from Gulf of Guinea countries and representatives from several European nations.