Tinubu Commissions Three Naval Vessels, Says They Boosted Oil Output

ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned three new vessels for the Nigerian Navy, crediting the service’s anti-oil theft operations with contributing to improved crude oil production. Vanguard reported the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday. The new vessels will strengthen the Navy’s capacity to patrol Nigeria’s maritime territory.

Tinubu said the Navy’s interception of oil theft vessels, disruption of illegal refining operations, and protection of oil infrastructure have contributed materially to Nigeria’s improved oil production figures. He said Nigeria is now producing approximately 1.66 million barrels per day, up from lower levels earlier in the current administration.

Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla said the three new vessels represent a significant upgrade to the fleet. He said the vessels are equipped with modern surveillance technology, improved firepower, and greater range than the older ships they supplement. He said the Navy will use them to extend its operational reach across the Gulf of Guinea.

Anti-Oil Theft Operations

Oil theft costs Nigeria billions of dollars annually. Criminal networks siphon crude from pipelines, operate illegal bunkering facilities in the creeks, and use sophisticated methods to evade detection. The Navy’s accelerated operations against these networks have been credited with reducing losses significantly since 2023.

Industry analysts said improved oil production, combined with the Dangote Refinery’s reduced import bill, is the foundation of Nigeria’s improved external accounts. The Q1 2026 capital importation surge of 83 percent and the foreign reserves crossing $50 billion are both partly attributable to stronger oil performance.

The newly commissioned vessels will also support Nigeria’s anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea. Maritime piracy in the region had peaked in the mid-2010s but has since declined significantly following strengthened naval patrols and regional cooperation agreements.