Tinubu Hails Navy, Inaugurates New Ships, Combined Maritime Taskforce
.President confident of Navy’s, regional allies’ capabilities
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday praised the Nigerian Navy (NN) for emerging the most formidable naval force in Africa and for the service’s immense contributions in counter insurgency and anti-terrorism operations across the country.
Tinubu gave the commendation at the inauguration of three new warships, International Fleet Review and the launch of the Combined Maritime Taskforce (CMTF) held at the Eko Atlantic Water front as part of activities to celebrate the NN at 70.
The President said the Navy’s growth from a modest colonial marine outfit established in 1956 into a modern maritime force reflected Nigeria’s progress and commitment to regional security and economic stability.
The colourful event attracted heads of foreign navies and coast guards; senior military officers, diplomats, government officials, traditional rulers and captains of industries.
According to Tinubu, the anniversary offered an opportunity not only to celebrate the NN’s achievements but also to reflect on its contributions to national security and economic prosperity.
“Since its humble beginning in 1956 as a colonial marine, the Nigerian Navy has evolved in tandem with our nation’s sovereignty, growing from a fledgling service into a modern, sophisticated naval power and an anchor of stability for Nigeria’s economic prosperity,” Tinubu said.
The President also commended the Navy for the eradication of piracy in the nation’s waters as well as a reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
According to him, improved maritime security has strengthened the safety of littoral communities and supported increased oil production and national economic growth.
Tinubu also praised the display of naval assets during the fleet review, describing it as evidence of growing international confidence in the Nigerian Navy and its role in promoting maritime collaboration in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
He urged officers and ratings to sustain professionalism and continue improving operational capabilities in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and maritime resources.
“I charge the officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy to sustain this high standard of professionalism and to continually deepen your operational capability and effectiveness in safeguarding our waters,” he said.
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the NN had strengthened cooperation with regional and international partners to ensure the GoG maintained its zero piracy status.
Abbas announced the formal launch of a Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF) headed by Commodore Mohammed Shettima, supported by the President, saying the initiative would remain on standby to respond to emerging maritime threats across the sub-region.
He said the task force would also support humanitarian operations and peacekeeping efforts in West Africa.
“This remarkable collaboration stands as a testament to our efforts and shared resolve. The task force will always be on standby to ensure maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
The CNS said the fleet review represented symbolised the collective commitment of participating nations to peace, security and stability within shared waters.
Abbas also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise the Navy through fleet recapitalisation and the integration of emerging technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence, to improve maritime domain awareness and rapid threat response.
He said the addition of three new ships to the naval fleet would strengthen operational capacity and improve the service’s ability to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, smuggling and other maritime crimes.
The CNS further disclosed that the Navy recently trained and inducted its first batch of 328 marines, describing the newly established unit as an elite force developed in collaboration with allied partners to support maritime and inland security operations.
According to him, the Navy would continue working with other security agencies and international allies to tackle emerging threats and protect national assets.
Abbas pledged the loyalty of officers and ratings of the Navy to the President and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The ceremony featured a review of naval formations, aerial combat displays, demonstrations by Nigerian and foreign naval assets and trooping of colours.
Dignitaries at the event included Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel who represented Senator Godswill Akpabio; Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (rtd); National Security Advisor (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen.. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu; Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, and former Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Zubeiru Gambo (rtd), among others.
