President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday commended the Nigerian Navy for its seven decades of commitment and sacrifice in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and protecting the nation’s economic interests.

He spoke at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, Lagos, as part of events to commemorate the Navy’s 70th Anniversary. President Tinubu also commissioned three Nigerian Naval vessels: NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara.

As reviewing officer at the event, President Tinubu praised the Navy’s achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

He specifically lauded the Navy’s sustained efforts against crude oil theft and maritime criminality, noting that these operations have significantly boosted oil production, improved national revenue, and strengthened investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

He said:

“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.

“More so, with the recent induction of the Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres, I am confident that even greater successes will be recorded. Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security.”

The President 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.

He noted that the Nigerian Navy has evolved into a formidable maritime force whose operational successes have significantly enhanced security within Nigeria’s territorial waters and contributed to regional and international maritime stability.

Nigeria’s maritime domain, he said, remains a vital pillar of the national economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and a critical artery for global trade.

He commended the Nigerian Navy for its guardianship of the strategic space, noting that through effective surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and enforcement operations, piracy had been eradicated in Nigerian waters while crude oil theft and other maritime crimes had been significantly reduced.

President Tinubu, while highlighting the theme of the event, “Seven Decades Of Operational Excellence,” expressed confidence that the Navy would sustain its momentum in securing the maritime environment as a key driver of the blue economy.

He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through investment in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development.

The President congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans, and families of the Nigerian Navy on the milestone, urging continued dedication to national service.

In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas said the Navy’s successes were made possible by strategic investments, policy support, and strong leadership from the President.

He said the acquisition of modern platforms, enhanced surveillance systems, and inter-agency collaboration had strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security framework, enabling more effective operations against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, and sea robbery.

He reaffirmed the Navy’s loyalty to the Constitution and the President, and pledged continued vigilance in defending Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He also assured that the Service would continue to adopt technology, innovation, and partnerships to sustain gains in maritime security.

Dignitaries at the event included former Governor of Ogun State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. Gbenga Daniel; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Kwara State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Chairman, House Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd); Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Others were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; and Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

Naval chiefs from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, as well as delegations from European countries and former service chiefs, also attended the event.