Nigerian Navy Celebrates 69 Anniversary, Commissions three Ships, three Helicopters and Newly Re-Built Base Flats
By Asuquo Nuwak
Nigerian Navy Celebrates 69 Anniversary, Commissions three Ships, three Helicopters and Newly Re-Built Base Flats
The celebration of the 69th Anniversary of the Nigerian Navy reached a historic high point on May 2025, with the commissioning of three warships and the induction of three AW109 Trekker helicopters into the Nigerian Navy’s fleet.
The commissioning ceremony was held at NNS BEECROFT in Lagos, as part of the events to commemorate the 69 anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.
The report said the event underscores the Navy’s unwavering commitment to enhancing maritime security and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, presided over the ceremony.
Dignitaries at the event included Senator Gbenga Daniel, Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Honourable Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman, House Committee on Navy, Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff, and former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Samuel Afolayan (rtd), among others.
In his speech at the event, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, who served as the Chief Host, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support to the Nigerian Navy.
In his keynote address, the Minister of state for Defence Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, described the commissioning as a “strategic enhancement of Nigeria’s maritime capacity,” emphasizing the importance of protecting Nigeria’s extensive maritime domain and critical national infrastructure. He further commended the President for his visionary leadership, unflinching support and consistent backing of the Armed Forces.
He pointed out that the newly commissioned warships, which are fast patrol boats with high endurance named, NNS FARO, NNS SHERE and NNS IKOGOSI, an ex-Republic of Korea Navy Chamsuri-class patrol boat, and two newly built 38 meter sea eagle patrol boats.
These platforms are expected to enhance the Navy’s patrol, interdiction, and surveillance capabilities across the Gulf of Guinea.
The event also featured UAV flight demonstration at Naval Air Base, Ojo and demonstrating the Navy’s expanding ISR capacity.
He announced that these platforms are expected to enhance the Navy’s capability in littoral and offshore operations.
Aside from this, he said the three newly inducted helicopters known as Agusta Westland (AW109) Trekker Helicopters, with visual call-signs NN501, NN502, and NN503 will be employed for over-the-horizon patrols, maritime surveillance, and target acquisition, will further expand the Navy’s reach and operational flexibility.
The event further witnessed the commissioning of 207 newly rebuilt base flats, a block of single-bedroom apartments for junior officers, marking a step forward in personnel welfare and accommodation.
In the light of this, he said this momentous occasion signifies another major leap in the evolution of what is now regarded as the third largest navy in Africa, as the Nigerian Navy continues to grow in capacity, professionalism, and regional relevance.
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