President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his confidence in Bola Tinubu’s incoming administration to maintain the support the Nigerian Navy has received during his own administration. Speaking at the Presidential Fleet Review in Lagos earlier this week, Buhari noted that he trusts the Navy will be given the necessary backing to execute its delegated duties.
The Nigerian President emphasised the need to congratulate the Navy for securing the country’s maritime domain, thereby ensuring the nation’s economic prosperity. He then praised the military’s combat readiness, commending its performance over the past eight years under his leadership.
Buhari lauded the accomplishments of the Nigerian Navy during his administration, stating that he was proud of the numerous achievements this service branch has accomplished. He offered his best wishes to the Navy, which he believes will continue to expand shipbuilding and increase the fight against piracy under Tinubu’s administration. He also acknowledged the reduction in the piracy activity which led to the removal of Nigeria from the list of piracy-prone countries by the International Maritime Bureau in 2022.
The President expressed his confidence that Tinubu’s leadership would continue to acquire new assets for the Navy and improve the country’s ability to address crude oil theft and the expansion of shipbuilding for export purposes, which will complement the nation’s aspiration for a thriving Blue Economy.
He further praised the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service for its impressive combat display, expressing his confidence that it will translate into better exploitation of Nigeria’s maritime resources for socio-economic development.
Buhari thanked the People’s Republic of China for the generous donation of a naval combat ship, NNS IBENO, and encouraged more collaborations with partner countries to foster an inclusive indigenous shipbuilding programme being run by the Nigerian Navy. He acknowledged the excellent efforts by the Navy’s engineers responsible for building over six capital ships, including Seaward Defence Boats, helicopters, Hydrographic Survey Vessels and other Offshore Patrol Vessels.
Finally, the President thanked Lagos State Government and stakeholders in the maritime industry for their essential support in facilitating the Fleet Review. He also congratulated the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, and the entire naval personnel for organising an exceptional event.
