The activities marking the 69th Anniversary of the Nigerian Navy reached an exciting crescendo with the commissioning of 3 warships and induction of 3 helicopters into its fleet.
The commissioning ceremony took place on Saturday 31 May 2025 with many dignitaries present to witness the occasion.
The Nigerian Navy Week 2025 celebrations began on Friday, 23 May, with Juma’at prayers at the Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja to celebrate the service at 69. This was followed by an interdenominational church service on Sunday, 25th May at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Navy Town, Lagos. Other activities that took place within the week included medical rhapsodies and activities of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA). The NN also had its ships open to visitors in all commands of the Navy, with some designated ships taking all visitors to sea for a few hours during the day.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, who launched the NN’s newest additions to its fleet, described the ceremony as a strategic move to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and safeguard its economic interest. He also lauded the president for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who was the Chief Host, expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unflinching support to the Nigerian Navy.
The 3 warships are fast patrol boats with high endurance named NNS FARO, NNS SHERE and NNS IKOGOSI, while the 3 helicopters are Agusta Westland (AW109) Trekker Helicopters with visual call-signs; NN501, NN502 & NN503, suitable for Over the Horizon Patrols, Maritime Surveillance and Targeting.
The day ended with the commissioning of the newly re-built Base Flats which comprise 207 single bedroom apartments for junior officers, by the CNS.
The Base Flats were designed many years ago as Single Officers Quarters but degenerated overtime and was eventually demolished in 2022.
According the the CNS, the commissioning marks another remarkable improvement in solving the accommodation needs of NN personnel.
The ceremony, described as a historic moment marking another significant milestone in the steady progress of the 3rd largest Navy in Africa, drew such dignitaries as the Chairman Senate Committee for Defence, Senator Gbenga Daniel, the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar and former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Samuel Afolayan (rtd) amongst others.
