Odita Sunday 
Navy Begins 70th Anniversary Celebration, Highlights Operational Milestones
By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Navy has officially commenced activities marking its 70th anniversary celebration with a commitment to strengthening maritime security, regional cooperation and technological advancement.
Speaking at an international press conference held at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Akinola Olatunde Olodude, said the anniversary celebration would run from May 21 to June 4, 2026.
Olodude spoke on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
According to him, the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the Navy’s transformation from a modest coastal defence force into a major maritime institution within Africa.
The Rear Admiral stated that the Nigerian Navy was established on June 1, 1956, as the Naval Defence Force with 250 personnel and 11 ships inherited from the Colonial Marine Department of the Royal Navy.
He noted that the Navy later evolved into a statutory branch of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through Act No. 21 of 1964.
Olodude highlighted the Navy’s contributions during the Nigerian Civil War and several international peace support operations in Lebanon, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.
He said the Navy also signed a strategic sealift memorandum of understanding with the African Union in 2025 to support peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
According to him, Nigeria has remained off the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy-prone nations list since 2022 due to the Navy’s anti-piracy efforts.
The Rear Admiral further disclosed that the Navy has built five vessels locally since 2010 and is currently constructing additional vessels through the Naval Shipyard Limited and Naval Dockyard Limited.
He added that the Navy’s anti-crude oil theft operations have contributed to improved oil production levels in collaboration with other security agencies.
Olodude stated that the 2026 Global Firepower Report ranked the Nigerian Navy as the strongest naval fleet in Africa.
Activities lined up for the anniversary include an international fleet review, vessel commissioning, maritime exhibition, sea-power symposium, sports competitions, community outreach programmes and participation of foreign naval forces.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to review the international fleet display and commission NNS Mambila, NNS Gurara and NNS Oloibiri during the celebration in Lagos.
The Navy also announced that the 6th Seapower for Africa Symposium would hold under the theme: “Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Maritime Security in Africa.”
Olodude reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to becoming a digitised and networked blue-water force capable of addressing emerging maritime security threats across the continent.
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