Tinubu commissions new vessels, hails maritime security gains

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Navy for its significant contributions to maritime security and economic growth, describing its achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft and other maritime crimes as critical to Nigeria’s development. Speaking at the International Fleet Review held to mark the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, at the Eko Atlantic waterfront, Victoria Island Lagos, the President praised the service for evolving into what he described as Africa’s most formidable naval force. The event had as its theme: 7 Decades of Operational Excellence. Tinubu noted that the Navy’s effective deployment of surveillance systems, rapid-response mechanisms and enforcement operations had helped eradicate piracy in Nigerian waters while substantially reducing crude oil theft and other criminal activities within the maritime domain. “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 stated. The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy’s operational capabilities through sustained recapitalisation efforts. As part of the anniversary celebrations, he commissioned three new vessels acquired to bolster maritime security operations and protect Nigeria’s strategic economic assets. Looking beyond maritime security, Tinubu commended the Navy’s contributions to counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country, particularly the efforts of the Special Boat Service and the newly inducted Nigerian Navy Marines. “I am confident that the Navy will continue to play a vital role in securing the nation’s maritime environment and supporting the development of Nigeria’s blue economy,” he said. The President also inaugurated the Combined Maritime Task Force, a multinational security initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation among Gulf of Guinea nations in tackling emerging maritime threats and promoting regional stability. He praised the collaborative efforts of participating countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, describing the initiative as a demonstration of shared commitment to maritime governance and security. Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Idi Abbas, highlighted the Navy’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme and growing international partnerships. Abbas disclosed that the service had intensified the use of emerging technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence, to improve maritime domain awareness and enhance its response to maritime crimes such as oil theft, illegal bunkering and smuggling. He also announced the successful training and induction of the first batch of 328 Nigerian Navy Marines, noting that the elite force would strengthen maritime security, counter-terrorism and inland security operations. The naval chief reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to professionalism, capacity building and collaboration with regional and international partners to ensure a safe and 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 growing stature of the Nigerian Navy as a key maritime security force in Africa. Dignitaries at the event include the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Speaker House of Representative, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Chief of Defense Staff, General OO Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, W. Shaibu, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal SK Aneke, delegates from participating nations among others.