…UNVEILS 69TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION PROGRAMME
Nigerian Navy has unveiled an elaborate programme of activities as part of its 69th Anniversary celebrations with a plan to inaugurate three new war ships and three Augusta helicopters to effectively patrol and dominant the maritime sector.
In a world press conference held in Abuja on Monday, 19th May, 2025, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abdullahi Dewu, stated that the Navy Week, as the celebration is popularly known, commemorates the establishment of the Nigerian Navy on 1 June 1956.
He explained that the Navy has grown from a modest coastal force into a formidable maritime institution with influence in the Gulf of Guinea and Sub-Saharan Africa.
It was disclosed that the newly acquired patrol vessels—NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI, have a dimension about 38 meters in length with a five-day endurance capacity, and were delivered to Nigeria in December 2024.
Also, to boost its air defence fleets, improve air operations and bolster surveillance and rapid response capabilities in maritime zones, the Navy will also commission three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters bringing its fleets to 14 helicopters.
While two of the vessels were acquired from Singapore, the third came from South Korea and they were designated to serve as Seaward Defence Boats, operating within Nigeria’s littoral waters up to the 24 nautical mile contiguous zone, and are capable of extending their reach in pursuit operations beyond this range when necessary. Their presence is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s visibility and deterrence posture at sea.
The Navy’s efforts are complemented by continuous collaboration with regional and international partners. A prime example is the recently concluded EXERCISE OBANGAME EXPRESS 2025, which took place from May 10 to 16.
The exercise involved navies from Gulf of Guinea nations as well as foreign forces from the United States, Brazil, Italy, and Spain. The joint operation demonstrated a collective commitment to combating maritime crimes and improving interoperability among allied forces.
Rear Admiral Dewu outlined the Navy Week events, starting with Juma’at prayers on Friday, 23rd May in Abuja, and an interdenominational church service on Sunday, 25 May in Lagos.
Other activities include Medical Rhapsodies and outreach by the Naval Officers’ Wives Association on Monday, 26th May, a sailing competition and boat race on Wednesday, 28th May, and the unveiling of a remodeled auditorium at the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria.
Also, Naval Officers’ Wives Association on Monday, 26 May, a sailing competition and boat race on Wednesday, 28 May, and the unveiling of a remodeled auditorium at the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria, will take place.
On Thursday, 29 May, naval ships will be open to public visitors in Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar. On Friday, 30 May, the public will have an opportunity to go onboard ships for sea cruises, and there will also be a golf tournament at the Dolphin Golf Club in Navy Town, Lagos.
The commissioning of ships, helicopters, and accommodation for junior officers will take place on Saturday, 31st May at NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos, while the celebration will end on Sunday, 1 June with a ceremonial sunset and dinner at the Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Rear Admiral Dewu appreciated the media for its continued support and called on journalists to give adequate publicity to the Navy Week activities.
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