President Bola Tinubu has commissioned three Nigerian Naval vessels and applauded the Nigerian Navy for seven decades of dedication to protecting the country’s maritime domain, as the service marked its 70th anniversary with an International Fleet Review.
The event held on Monday at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos, saw President Tinubu formally commissioned NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara, as reviewing officer at the ceremony.
Speaking at the occasion, the President credited the Navy with significantly boosting national revenue through its sustained crackdown on crude oil theft, piracy, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
“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,” he said.
Beyond maritime operations, President Tinubu also acknowledged the Navy’s role in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency missions across Nigeria, singling out the Special Boat Service for its performance in complex operations.
“The courage and professionalism demonstrated by the Special Boat Service in executing complex missions are truly commendable. With the recent induction of the Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres, I am confident that even greater successes will be recorded,” he said, describing the Navy “ an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security.’
The President tied the Navy’s operational achievement directly to Nigeria’s economic health, noting that the eradication of piracy and the reduction of crude oil theft have improved oil production, strengthened investor confidence, and supported national economic growth.
“Your theme for this milestone event, ‘Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,’ is not merely a slogan, but a proven reality,” he told the gathering, pledging his administration’s continued investment in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, and capacity development.
Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas used the occasion to highlight the operational progress made under the current administration, crediting strategic investments, modern surveillance systems and interagency collaboration for the navy recent successes against maritime crimes.
He reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the President, pledging that the service would remain vigilant in defending Nigeria’s waters, and would continue to leverage technology and strategic partnerships to consolidate the gains already recorded.
