President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to officially launch the African Union (AU) Combined Maritime Task Force as part of renewed efforts to boost maritime security across Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, the Nigerian Navy has announced.

The initiative is designed to strengthen regional collaboration against piracy, illegal fishing, and other transnational crimes threatening West and Central African waters.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja ahead of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebration, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the event would feature an international fleet review at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos.

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Akinola Olodude, the naval chief disclosed that President Tinubu, who will serve as the reviewing officer, is expected to conduct the trooping and presentation of colours to the Nigerian Navy.

He further revealed that the President would commission three newly acquired Nigerian naval vessels during the ceremony and officially flag off the AU Combined Maritime Task Force.

According to Abbas, the multinational task force was endorsed by the African Union Peace and Security Council on April 23, 2025, as a standing maritime force for the Gulf of Guinea.

He explained that the initiative is aimed at tackling transnational organised crimes across the over 6,000-kilometre Gulf of Guinea corridor through joint regional operations.

Countries currently participating in the task force include Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.

The Navy chief also disclosed that over 39 navies, alongside diplomats, regional military leaders, and representatives of international organisations, are expected to attend the anniversary celebration in Lagos.

He described the anniversary as a landmark moment reflecting the Nigerian Navy’s growth from a modest force of about 250 personnel into one of Africa’s strongest naval institutions with one of the continent’s largest maritime fleets.

Abbas highlighted the Navy’s progress in local shipbuilding and vessel development as one of its major achievements over the last seven decades.

He added that naval ships from the Republic of Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, and Ghana would participate in the celebrations within the Lagos harbour.

The anniversary activities will also include sporting events such as basketball, volleyball, and golf, as well as an icebreaker reception for foreign dignitaries at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

According to the Navy, heads of navies from 15 African countries, representatives from non-African navies, regional military commands, and international organisations are expected to participate in the celebrations.