President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national security and economic resilience through maritime dominance, as the Nigerian Navy commissioned three new fast patrol ships and three maritime surveillance helicopters into its fleet.

The ceremony, held at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft parade ground in Apapa, Lagos, marked a significant milestone in the Navy’s ongoing efforts to secure the nation’s territorial waters and combat maritime crimes.

Represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, President Tinubu described the commissioning as “more than a ceremonial event but a bold declaration of progress in Nigeria’s maritime defence architecture.” He emphasised that maritime security is critical not only to the nation’s economic prosperity but also to a shared global responsibility.

“The sea does not distinguish between political lines; it demands our collective vigilance,” he said, stressing that the newly acquired assets: Nigerian Navy Ships NNS Shere, NNS Faro, and NNS Ikogosi, along with helicopters NL501, NL502, and NL503 would serve as force multipliers in the fight against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, and other transnational crimes along the Gulf of Guinea.

The President lauded the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, for his leadership and foresight in driving the Navy’s modernisation agenda. He also commended the National Assembly for its bipartisan support in funding the acquisitions, stating that such unity of purpose must be sustained to ensure lasting maritime safety.

Tinubu assured the Navy of continued government backing, asserting that “a strong navy is the foundation of a prosperous and secure economy.” In his remarks, Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for the timely approval of the acquisitions and reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to expand its capabilities through fleet renewal and capacity development.

He noted that the newly commissioned ships are equipped with advanced surveillance technology and rapid response capabilities, while the Augusta Westland helicopters would significantly enhance long-range reconnaissance and maritime domain awareness.

Ogalla said the induction of these platforms would “greatly strengthen the Navy’s ability to dominate Nigeria’s maritime environment and limit the operational space of criminal elements.”

Highlighting the broader vision for the Navy’s growth, Ogalla disclosed that several other platforms are expected to be added to the fleet before the end of the year. These include two 76-metre offshore patrol vessels from Turkey, three 46-metre fast patrol boats from China, tugboats, and two indigenously built Seaward Defence Boats currently under construction.