Tinubu commissions three Naval vessels, launches regional maritime task force as Navy marks 70 years

President Bola Tinubu on Monday commissioned three new naval vessels and inaugurated a multinational maritime security initiative aimed at strengthening security in the Gulf of Guinea, as the Nigerian Navy celebrated its 70th anniversary with an International Fleet Review in Lagos.

The event, held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Victoria Island, brought together naval chiefs, military leaders, diplomats and representatives of allied countries, highlighting Nigeria’s growing maritime influence and its leadership role in regional security cooperation.

Tinubu praised the Nigerian Navy’s transformation from its origins as a colonial marine service in 1956 into what he described as “the most formidable naval force in Africa.”

The President said the Navy’s rise reflects decades of strategic development and operational excellence, adding that its achievements have become critical to Nigeria’s economic prosperity and national security.

“This milestone offers us a moment not only for celebration but for reflection on a remarkable journey that has transformed a modest vision into a formidable maritime force,” Tinubu said.

He noted that the Navy’s emergence as a continental maritime leader coinciding with its 70th anniversary was symbolic of its maturity, professionalism and operational strength.

The President commended the Navy for securing Nigeria’s maritime domain, describing the country’s waters as a strategic economic asset and a major source of foreign exchange earnings.

According to him, the Navy’s integration of surveillance technologies, rapid-response capabilities and enforcement operations has successfully eliminated piracy in Nigerian waters while significantly reducing crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.

Tinubu said these achievements have improved security in coastal communities, enhanced investor confidence and contributed to increased oil production, thereby supporting national economic growth.

He urged naval personnel to sustain their professionalism and continue strengthening their operational capabilities in protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests.

“The Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security,” he said.

A major highlight of the anniversary celebration was the inauguration of the Combined Maritime Task Force, a multinational initiative designed to improve maritime governance and security across the Gulf of Guinea.

Tinubu described the task force as a demonstration of the region’s collective commitment to combating emerging maritime threats and ensuring safer sea lanes.

He commended the governments of Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone for their pioneering roles in establishing the initiative.

According to the President, the pledged maritime assets from participating countries will significantly strengthen operational capabilities across the region’s shared waters.

As part of ongoing efforts to modernise the Navy, Tinubu commissioned three newly acquired vessels into service.

He described the acquisitions as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to recapitalising the Navy and enhancing its ability to respond to contemporary maritime challenges.

The President also reaffirmed support for indigenous shipbuilding initiatives and promised continued strategic investments aimed at maintaining a responsive and capable naval force.

“Our unwavering commitment to the recapitalisation of the Nigerian Navy is demonstrated today through the commissioning of three new vessels,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Idi Abbas, Chief of the Naval Staff, said the Navy had significantly expanded its operational capabilities through technological innovation, fleet renewal and personnel development.

He attributed many of the service’s recent successes to strong support from the Tinubu administration, particularly in the areas of force modernisation and maritime security enhancement.

According to the naval chief, the Navy is increasingly deploying emerging technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence, to strengthen maritime domain awareness and improve real-time threat detection.

He said the technologies have enhanced the Navy’s capacity to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, smuggling and other transnational maritime crimes.

“Our Maritime Domain Awareness initiatives now provide comprehensive situational awareness at all times and have substantially enhanced our ability to detect and swiftly respond to threats,” he said.

The naval chief also highlighted the success of collaborative security arrangements among regional and international naval forces.

He noted that sustained cooperation among partner navies had contributed significantly to the Gulf of Guinea attaining what he described as a “zero piracy” status, once considered unattainable in one of the world’s most dangerous maritime corridors.

Abbas said the International Fleet Review reflected years of joint efforts and shared commitment among partner nations to safeguard maritime trade routes and maintain peace and stability across the region.

The Chief of Naval Staff further disclosed that the Navy has placed strong emphasis on human capital development.

He announced the successful training and induction of the first batch of 328 Nigerian Navy Marines, describing the new force as an elite unit capable of supporting maritime security operations, counterterrorism missions and inland security assignments.

The marines, he said, received specialised training with support from allied countries and are expected to significantly strengthen the Navy’s operational reach.

“Their specialised training will further bolster our efforts in fortifying maritime security, combating terrorism and addressing inland security threats with greater efficacy,” he stated.

While celebrating seven decades of service, both Tinubu and the naval leadership stressed that emerging maritime threats continue to require vigilance and stronger cooperation.

The President praised the Navy’s contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations, particularly the role of its Special Boat Service in executing complex missions across the country.

He expressed confidence that the newly inducted Marines would further enhance the military’s effectiveness in ongoing security operations.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Naval Staff pledged the Navy’s continued loyalty to the Constitution and its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime assets.

He assured Nigerians that the service would continue working with other security agencies and international partners to secure the nation’s waters and support economic development.

The International Fleet Review featured aerial combat demonstrations, naval parades and displays of maritime assets from Nigeria and allied countries.