... Says “Sail With The Navy” was remarkable
The Convener of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable and Publisher of Blue Economy Newsmagazine, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo has commended the Nigerian Navy for transforming from a force of 250 personnel in 1956 into Africa’s leading naval power, with over 34,000 personnel and more than 150 ships.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Dr. Kiyaramo also applauded the Navy for taking 2,200 civilians selected at random through an online raffle from Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar to sea under its historic 70th anniversary initiative.
As Special Assistant to the Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), he said the successful execution of the “Sail With The Nigerian Navy” program on May 25, 2026, was a clear testament to the Navy’s commitment to creating awareness about the blue economy.
“For the Navy to meticulously select civilians through an online raffle and coordinate their boarding of active warships from key naval hubs in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Calabar speaks volumes about the cordial relationship between the Navy and civilian communities in its operational bases,” Dr. Kiyaramo stated.
“In Lagos alone, approximately 1,500 civilians sailed aboard NNS Kada, DB Abuja, and DB Lagos, journeying from Apapa jetty into the Atlantic,” he added.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the initiative aimed to strengthen civil-military relations and give Nigerians firsthand experience of the nation’s maritime space.
The 70th anniversary celebrations continue with an International Fleet Review on June 1, where President Bola Tinubu will commission new platforms and the 6th Sea Power for Africa Symposium from June 2–3. The jubilee concludes on June 4 in Lagos.
