Tinubu Hails Nigerian Navy as Critical Pillar of Economic Security

ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Nigerian Navy as a critical pillar in protecting and sustaining the nation’s economic growth. He made the declaration at a formal ceremony marking a significant anniversary for the naval service on Monday, June 2.

Tinubu commended the Navy for its role in securing Nigeria’s maritime assets including oil platforms, shipping lanes, and the vast blue economy resources in the Gulf of Guinea. He said every barrel of oil produced safely and every container shipped without piracy incident is partly a tribute to the Navy’s vigilance.

“The Nigerian Navy stands between our nation and the thieves of our prosperity. You protect what Nigeria has built on the water. I commend your professionalism and your sacrifice,” Tinubu said at the ceremony.

Maritime Economy at Stake

Nigeria’s maritime sector is one of the country’s largest revenue earners after oil. The Apapa and Tincan Island ports handle billions of dollars in goods annually. The Navy’s anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea have contributed to a significant reduction in maritime attacks compared to the peak years of the mid-2010s.

The Navy has also been involved in securing oil production platforms from sabotage and crude theft, which had cost Nigeria billions of dollars annually at its worst. Improved naval presence on the creeks and offshore has helped reduce these losses.

The Chief of Naval Staff said the service is modernising rapidly. He said new patrol vessels, improved radar systems, and better-trained personnel are transforming the Navy’s capacity to protect Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline. He thanked Tinubu for the administration’s investment in naval modernisation.