Buhari expressed satisfaction with the military's battle readiness during the Presidential Fleet Review, 2023, at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He expressed confidence that President-elect Bola Tinubu will sustain the tempo of his administration and also continue to provide critical assistance to the Nigerian Navy, hence preserving the positive trajectory established during his tenure.

The Presidential Fleet Review could end up being his final in his capacity as President and Commander-in-Chief.

He was extremely pleased with the diversity of naval capabilities on display as well as the battle readiness of the Nigerian military.
Keeping in mind the nation's pride in the navy's numerous accomplishments during his eight-year administration, President Buhari stated, "I have absolutely no doubt that the new government of President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will maintain the current tempo of my governance in providing the Navy with the support it needs to effectively carry out its assigned tasks."
"My best wishes to our Navy for defending our maritime domain and Nigeria's economic prosperity." As I prepare to leave office on May 29, I wish you all good winds and following seas. AND GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA."

Also Read: Presidential Tribunal: Obi, Atiku, Tinubu, Shettima, INEC To Name 237 witnesses

Buhari expressed hope that the Navy would keep working to acquire new assets, boost shipbuilding for export reasons, encourage indigenous production, intensify the battle against piracy, and handle concerns relating to crude oil theft in Nigeria's maritime domain under Tinubu's leadership.

He emphasized the remarkable drop in piracy over the last seven years, which has resulted in Nigeria's withdrawal from the International Maritime Bureau's (IMB) list of piracy-prone countries in March 2022.

He praised the use of technology in maritime security, which enabled the intelligence-driven deployment of naval ships as well as increased their efficacy.

The President appreciated the diligent prosecution of MT HEROIC IDUN, which was found and detained in August 2022 for intending to ship crude oil without authorisation offshore Bonny.

He stated that the successful interception confirmed the navy's commitment to safeguarding the country's resources.
President Buhari, in recognizing the significance of the many ships and helicopters on exhibit, stated that they represented the nation's maritime power and readiness to carry out the Navy's constitutional tasks.

He praised the spectacular combat displays put on by members of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service, as well as assets from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, saying:

"I anticipate this to be transformed into actual capability to rule over Nigeria's maritime environment and secure the enormous resources therein for the socio-economic development of our great country."

Additionally, the President emphasized the importance of maritime security to economic success.
Since the maritime domain serves as both a resource storehouse and a mode of maritime transport in the country, he emphasized the necessity of utilizing these resources in a safe and secure manner to drive national prosperity as well as promote Nigeria's aspirations for a thriving blue economy.
The President cited the acquisition of 20 capital ships for the Navy over the last seven years, which included offshore patrol vessels, landing ship transports, hydrographic survey vessels, seaward defense boats, helicopters, and over 300 inshore patrol vessels and assault craft.

President Buhari also inaugurated several important additions to the Navy's fleet during the fleet review, including a new helicopter, NN410, made in Italy, and the landing ship transport NNS KADA, built in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

He congratulated the People's Republic of China for the kind donation of NNS IBENO, emphasizing the need of mutual military cooperation with partner nations, which had also boosted the Nigerian Navy's indigenous shipbuilding initiatives.
He stated that the Nigerian Navy's efforts in indigenous shipbuilding, in accordance with the country's local content development plan, have generated favorable results.

"Our naval engineers were solely responsible for the construction of three seaward defense boats, NNS ANDONI, NNS KARADUWA, and NNS OJI." "In December 2021, I laid the groundwork for the construction of two Seaward Defense Boats, which will be ready in 2024."At this rate, I have no fear that our Navy will soon start building larger ships for ourselves as well as other navies in the region and beyond.

"This achievement is a source of great pride for Nigeria and an outstanding contribution to national development," stated President Buhari.