The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has applauded the Nigerian Navy’s transformation into Africa’s foremost naval force after 70 years of operations.

ABER Convener and Publisher of Blue Economy Newsmagazine, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, praised the Navy’s growth from 250 officers in 1956 to over 34,000 personnel and 150 ships.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Kiyaramo described the Navy’s “Sail With The Nigerian Navy” programme as remarkable and historic.

He said 2,200 civilians from Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar participated in the sea voyage after selection through an online raffle.

Kiyaramo said the initiative reflected strong civil-military relations and demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to promoting awareness of the blue economy.

He noted that about 1,500 civilians in Lagos sailed aboard NNS Kada, DB Abuja, and DB Lagos from Apapa jetty into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the programme aimed to strengthen civil-military relations and expose Nigerians to the nation’s maritime environment.

Activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary will continue with an International Fleet Review on June 1 and the Sea Power for Africa Symposium from June 2 to 3.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to commission new naval platforms, while the anniversary celebrations will end on June 4 in Lagos.