President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security architecture with the commissioning of three new naval vessels and the inauguration of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea.
The event, held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, marked the commencement of activities celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of the Nigerian Navy and brought together naval chiefs, maritime stakeholders and foreign partners in a showcase of naval capability, international cooperation and regional security collaboration.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu who flagged off the 2026 Nigerian Navy International Fleet Review described the Navy’s 70th anniversary as a historic milestone that reflects the transformation of a modest maritime service into one of Africa’s most formidable naval forces.
The President noted that the Nigerian Navy has evolved alongside the nation’s sovereignty, growing from its origins in 1956 into a modern and sophisticated force that serves as a critical pillar of national security, economic prosperity and regional stability.
The President congratulated the service for attaining a position of continental leadership, highlighting that its emergence as a leading naval force in Africa underscores seven decades of operational excellence, professionalism and strategic growth.
President Tinubu also inaugurated the Gulf of Guinea Combined Maritime Task Force, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the collective resolve of regional partners to strengthen multinational cooperation against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing and other transnational maritime crimes.
As part of efforts to further enhance the Navy’s operational readiness, the President commissioned three newly acquired naval vessels, stating that the move reflects his administration’s unwavering commitment to the recapitalisation of the Nigerian Navy, promotion of indigenous shipbuilding capacity and provision of strategic support required for a responsive and capable maritime force.
The President said the impressive aerial combat displays and parade of naval assets by Nigeria and its foreign partners reflected the growing global recognition of the Nigerian Navy and its pivotal role in advancing maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.
Commending the Navy for safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, Tinubu noted that the service had successfully eradicated piracy in Nigerian waters and significantly curtailed crude oil theft and related maritime crimes through enhanced surveillance, rapid response mechanisms and robust enforcement operations.
He said the achievements had not only improved the security of coastal communities but had also contributed to increased oil production and broader economic growth.
The President charged officers and ratings to sustain the high standards of professionalism, discipline and operational effectiveness that have distinguished the service, while continually adapting to emerging security threats.
Expressing confidence in the future of the Navy, Tinubu said the anniversary theme, “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” was not merely a slogan but a reflection of the institution’s enduring contributions to national development and security.
He further commended the Navy’s role in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country, particularly the exploits of the Special Boat Service and the recent deployment of the Nigerian Navy Marines in operational theatres.
“The Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security,” the President stated.
President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to international partners for their support towards security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea, describing the Combined Maritime Task Force as a major step towards strengthening collective maritime governance and operational cooperation.
He specifically commended Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone for their pioneering contributions to the initiative, expressing optimism that deeper collaboration would further enhance safety, stability and prosperity across the region’s maritime domain.
The International Fleet Review forms part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary and serves as a platform to showcase the service’s operational capabilities, strategic partnerships and contributions to maritime security in Africa and beyond.
