LAGOS — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Navy for seven decades of dedication to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, describing the Service as a critical pillar of national and regional security.
The President spoke 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, he commissioned three newly acquired naval vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara.
According to President Tinubu, the Navy’s sustained operations against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling and other transnational crimes have significantly strengthened security within Nigeria’s territorial waters and boosted economic growth.
He praised the Service for its role in protecting the country’s economic interests, noting that recent successes in combating crude oil theft and maritime criminality have contributed to increased oil production, improved government revenue and enhanced investor confidence.
“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,” the President said.
He added that the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres would further enhance the military’s effectiveness in addressing emerging security challenges.
President Tinubu described the Navy’s anniversary theme, ‘Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,’ as a reflection of the Service’s remarkable achievements over the years.
“Nigeria’s maritime domain remains a vital pillar of our national economy and a major source of foreign exchange. Through effective surveillance, rapid response mechanisms and robust enforcement operations, the Nigerian Navy has successfully eradicated piracy in our waters and significantly curtailed crude oil theft and associated maritime crimes,” he stated.
The President also acknowledged the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, regional partners and international allies in improving safety within the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s key maritime trade routes.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through sustained investment in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training and capacity development.
President Tinubu congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, officers, ratings, veterans and families of naval personnel on the milestone anniversary and urged them to remain steadfast in their service to the nation.
In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff attributed the Navy’s recent successes to strategic investments, policy support and strong leadership from the Federal Government.
He noted that the acquisition of modern vessels and surveillance systems, alongside improved inter-agency collaboration, had significantly enhanced Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
According to him, these efforts 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 naval chief reaffirmed the commitment of officers and ratings to defending Nigeria’s maritime territory and protecting national assets, while assuring Nigerians that the Service would continue to leverage technology, innovation and strategic partnerships to sustain gains recorded in maritime security.
The event attracted several top government officials, military leaders and foreign dignitaries, including representatives of Gulf of Guinea nations and international partners.
Source: Statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, June 1, 2026.
