The Nigerian Navy has announced major fleet expansion and technological upgrades as part of efforts to strengthen maritime security and tackle emerging threats within Nigeria’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
The service disclosed that President Bola Tinubu will commission three new naval vessels in June during activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary celebration.
Speaking at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, the Chief of Policy and Planning, Rear Admiral Akinola Olatunde, said the commissioning forms part of a broader strategy to improve operational capacity, fleet modernization, and maritime surveillance.
According to him, the President will preside over an international fleet review scheduled for June 1 at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos, where he is also expected to inspect naval formations, present colours to the Navy, and officially launch the Combined Maritime Task Force.
The vessels to be commissioned include Nigerian Naval Ships Bambina, Grara, and NS Olouibiri, which are expected to enhance patrol operations, maritime security enforcement, and protection of Nigeria’s coastal and offshore assets.
Rear Admiral Olatunde said the Navy has continued to strengthen indigenous shipbuilding capacity, revealing that five vessels have been constructed locally since 2010. These include a ferry, a tugboat, and three seaward defence boats.
He added that more projects are currently ongoing at naval shipyards in Lagos and Port Harcourt, including the construction of a 27-metre ferry for the Akwa Ibom State Government and two 44.2-metre seaward defence boats at the Naval Dockyard in Lagos.
The Navy said the investments reflect growing emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing and maintenance, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign-built vessels while boosting local technical expertise.
Naval authorities also highlighted ongoing technological advancements within the service, including improved maritime surveillance systems, enhanced operational coordination, and modernization of naval infrastructure to address evolving security challenges such as piracy, oil theft, smuggling, and illegal fishing.
The Navy noted that the Gulf of Guinea remains strategically important to global trade and energy supply, making stronger maritime security essential for economic stability and regional cooperation.
Officials added that the 70th anniversary celebration will showcase Nigeria’s growing naval capabilities and deepen collaboration with international maritime partners participating in the fleet review and exhibition activities in Lagos.
The Nigerian Navy said its long-term objective remains the protection of Nigeria’s maritime domain, safeguarding critical national assets, and strengthening regional security through modern equipment, technology, and professional manpower development.
