Tinubu Boosts Nigerian Navy’s Fleet Strength with New Ships, Helicopters
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially inaugurated three new ships and three helicopters into the Nigerian Navy inventory, marking a major step forward in enhancing Nigeria’s maritime security.
The commissioning ceremony was held at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft in Apapa, Lagos, as part of the Navy’s 69th anniversary.
The newly commissioned ships—NNS Shere, NNS Faro, and NNS Ikogosi—are equipped with advanced technology designed to strengthen the Navy’s operational capabilities.
Alongside the vessels, three AW109 Trekker helicopters were also inducted into service, designated 501, 502, and 503.
These helicopters are expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s aerial surveillance and rapid response capacity along Nigeria’s extensive coastline and territorial waters.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu stressed the importance of fleet modernization in tackling maritime security challenges such as piracy, oil theft, smuggling, and illegal fishing, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea region.
He described the commissioning as a milestone in the nation’s efforts to protect its maritime domain and economic interests, expressing confidence that the new assets would serve as vital force multipliers for the Navy.
Representing the President, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, reiterated the government’s commitment to equipping the Navy with the necessary resources to secure Nigeria’s waters.
Matawalle also acknowledged the support of international partners whose technical assistance has been instrumental in upgrading the Navy’s capabilities.
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, highlighted the strategic value of the new ships and helicopters, saying they would enhance the Navy’s ability to monitor, detect, and respond swiftly to maritime threats.
He emphasized the ongoing efforts towards fleet recapitalization and the importance of both local and international cooperation in maintaining maritime security.
The commissioning coincided with the opening of the 5th International Maritime Conference in Lagos, themed “Promoting the Blue Economy in Africa through International Cooperation on Maritime Security.”
The conference gathered maritime security experts and officials from various countries to discuss collaborative approaches to securing the Gulf of Guinea and fostering sustainable maritime economic growth.
Nigeria’s maritime domain plays a critical role in the country’s economy, with sectors such as oil exports, fisheries, and maritime trade heavily dependent on secure waters.
The deployment of modern naval assets is expected to deter criminal activities at sea and create a safer environment for commerce and resource development.
With these additions, the Nigerian Navy is better positioned to fulfill its mandate of protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests and contributing to regional stability.
The Tinubu administration has demonstrated a clear focus on maritime security as a national priority, with continued investments in equipment, training, and international partnerships essential to sustaining progress in this vital sector.
