President Muhammadu Buhari highlighted the significant reduction in piracy over the past seven years, leading to Nigeria’s removal from the list of piracy-prone countries.

Speaking at the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review in Lagos, organized by the Nigerian Navy, President Buhari acknowledged the efforts made to secure the maritime domain through the application of technology and intelligence-driven deployment of ships.

He praised the successful prosecution of cases like the MT HEROIC IDUN, which attempted to load crude oil without authorization, as evidence of the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting the country’s resources.

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President Buhari credited the achievements to collaborations with partner nations’ navies, emphasizing the enhanced synergy in addressing illegalities within the Gulf of Guinea.

Joint exercises such as Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS, Exercise GRAND AFRICA NEMO, and Exercise FLINTLOCK have contributed to the Navy’s readiness for maritime security operations.

The President expressed appreciation for the cooperation received from heads of navies, coast guards, and foreign allies.

President Buhari acknowledged the support and mutual military cooperation with shipbuilding partner nations, which have encouraged local shipbuilding by the Nigerian Navy.