President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned three new warships for the Nigerian Navy, describing the service’s success in combating piracy and other maritime crimes as a major contributor to economic growth and investor confidence.
Speaking at the International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic waterfront in Victoria Island, Lagos, to commemorate the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, Tinubu said the Navy’s achievements in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain have strengthened the economy by creating a safer environment for business and oil production.
The event, themed “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” brought together military leaders, government officials and delegates from several Gulf of Guinea nations.
Tinubu praised the Navy for its effective deployment of surveillance systems, rapid-response mechanisms and enforcement operations, which he said have helped eradicate piracy in Nigerian waters and significantly reduced crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.
According to the President, the improved security situation has enhanced the safety of coastal communities, boosted investor confidence, and increased oil production, thereby supporting national economic growth.
“The improved security environment has enhanced the safety of coastal communities, boosted investor confidence and contributed to increased oil production, thereby supporting national economic growth,” he said.
As part of activities marking the Navy’s anniversary, Tinubu commissioned three newly acquired warships to strengthen maritime security operations and protect Nigeria’s strategic economic assets.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the Navy’s operational capacity through sustained fleet recapitalisation and investment in modern security infrastructure.
The President also commended the Navy’s contributions beyond maritime security, particularly its involvement in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country through the Special Boat Service and the newly inducted Nigerian Navy Marines.
Expressing confidence in the service’s future role, Tinubu said the Navy would remain a critical force in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and advancing the nation’s blue economy aspirations.
The President also inaugurated the Combined Maritime Task Force, a multinational security initiative designed to strengthen cooperation among Gulf of Guinea countries to address emerging maritime threats and promote regional stability.
He lauded the participating nations, including Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, for their commitment to collective maritime security and governance.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, highlighted the Navy’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme and growing international partnerships.
He disclosed that the service has intensified the use of emerging technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence, to enhance maritime domain awareness and improve responses to crimes such as oil theft, smuggling and illegal bunkering.
Ogalla also announced the successful training and induction of the first batch of 328 Nigerian Navy Marines, noting that the elite force would bolster maritime security, counter-terrorism and inland security operations.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to professionalism, capacity development and collaboration with regional and international partners to maintain a secure maritime environment.
The anniversary celebration featured an international fleet review, aerial combat displays and a parade of naval assets from Nigeria and allied countries, underscoring the Nigerian Navy’s growing stature as a leading maritime security force in Africa.
Among dignitaries at the event were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, and delegates from participating countries.
