1,500 civilians sail with Navy in Lagos to mark 70th anniversary
Lagos, May 2026 (TBL Africa) No fewer than 1,500 civilians in Lagos State joined the Western Naval Command on a sea trip to commemorate the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Abubakar Mustapha, said during the Ships open to visitors and sea trip held at the command in Apapa.
Mustapha said the exercise provided an opportunity for the navy to interact with civilians and demonstrate camaraderie and solidarity.
“Essentially, we are happy today because some of you will be able to see our capabilities and how we function at sea.
“All we do is made possible because we carry out drills and exercises to review our tactics, techniques and procedures.
“One good example is our recent drill with the U.S. Navy under Exercise Obangame Express in Port Harcourt,” he said.
The FOC said the sea trip would take participants along the Lagos channel, offering views of the city skyline, ports, Tarkwa Bay and beaches.
“It is not going to be a long trip because the weather is not very favourable, and we want to return on time so that you can go about your other activities,” he said.
Mustapha said that over the past 70 years, the Nigerian Navy had evolved into a formidable force capable of safeguarding the nation’s maritime space and protecting critical national infrastructure.
He added that this responsibility was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies.
“We also partner with navies across the world, including those of the U.S., UK, EU and China, during exercises to sharpen our strategies for optimum performance,” he said.
According to him, the achievements of the Nigerian Navy in recent decades have positioned it among the leading naval forces in Africa and ranked it 22nd globally in terms of platforms and capability.
Mustapha said the navy had also launched its Marine Corps to address inland security challenges and support counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in partnership with other services.
“Biannually, we organise the Grand African NEMO exercise under the Coordinated Maritime Presence framework, where EU navies deploy platforms to the Gulf of Guinea.
“The feedback and responses from these exercises have placed the Nigerian Navy among the most professional naval forces in Africa,” he said.
