Tinubu praises Navy for 70 years of safeguarding the nation's coastal waters.

President Bola Tinubu commended the Nigerian Navy for its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation's maritime domain and protecting its economic interests, spanning seven decades of commitment and sacrifice. He made this statement at the 2026 International Fleet Review, held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos, as part of the Navy's 70th Anniversary celebrations.

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During the event, President Tinubu commissioned three Nigerian Naval vessels: NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara, marking a significant milestone in the Navy's history.

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As the reviewing officer, President Tinubu praised the Navy's achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea, noting the significant impact on oil production and national revenue.

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He specifically lauded the Navy's sustained efforts against crude oil theft and maritime criminality, which have significantly boosted investor confidence in Nigeria's maritime sector.

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President Tinubu also acknowledged the Navy's contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, commending the courage and professionalism of the Special Boat Service.

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The President expressed confidence in the Nigerian Navy's future successes, particularly with the recent induction of the Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres, and described the Navy as an indispensable pillar of national and regional security.

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President Tinubu thanked friendly nations and foreign navies for attending the International Fleet Review, describing the event as a testament to growing international cooperation for maritime security and collective prosperity.

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The President noted that the Nigerian Navy has evolved into a formidable maritime force, with operational successes that have significantly enhanced security within Nigeria's territorial waters and contributed to regional and international maritime stability.

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He emphasized the importance of Nigeria's maritime domain, which remains a vital pillar of the national economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and a critical artery for global trade.

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President Tinubu commended the Nigerian Navy for its steadfast guardianship of the maritime domain, successfully eradicating piracy and significantly curtailing crude oil theft and associated maritime crimes.

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The President described the Navy's theme, 'Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,' as a proven reality, and expressed confidence that the Navy will sustain this momentum and continue to secure the maritime environment as a thriving engine of the blue economy.

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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.

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President Tinubu 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.

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The President congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans, and families of Nigerian Navy personnel on this historic milestone, urging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to duty, patriotism, and service to the nation.

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Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy's successes in recent years to strategic investments, policy support, and strong leadership from the President, highlighting the acquisition of modern platforms and enhanced surveillance capabilities.

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He noted that these interventions have enabled the Nigerian Navy to intensify efforts against piracy, crude oil theft, and other transnational maritime crimes within the Gulf of Guinea.

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Vice Admiral Abbas 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.

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He commended the sacrifices of naval personnel, past and present, whose dedication has shaped the Nigerian Navy into a formidable force, and assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to leverage technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships to secure the nation's maritime environment.

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Dignitaries present at the event included former Governor of Ogun State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. Gbenga Daniel, representing the Senate President, as well as Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

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Other notable attendees included Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede.

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Chiefs of Naval Staff from other Gulf of Guinea countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, also attended the event, along with delegations from European countries and former Service Chiefs.