Nigeria has been ranked as the African country with the strongest naval fleet in 2026, according to the latest Global Firepower (GF) report, which assesses the military capabilities of 145 nations worldwide.
The report shows that Nigeria operates a total of 152 naval vessels, placing it 22nd globally and firmly at the top on the African continent. The fleet includes a mix of frigates, patrol vessels and mine warfare ships, underscoring the Nigerian Navy’s central role in national defence and maritime security.
With an extensive maritime domain that includes about 853 kilometres of coastline and more than 8,600 kilometres of inland waterways, the Nigerian Navy relies on its fleet to protect territorial waters, secure vital shipping routes and support strategic operations.
Data from the GF report indicates that Nigeria’s navy is the largest in Africa by number of vessels, with a combined displacement of 38,052 tonnes. Patrol vessels dominate the fleet, accounting for 132 units, or about 97.8 per cent of total naval assets.
These patrol vessels range from offshore patrol boats and gunboats to missile boats and fast-attack craft, many of which are specifically designed for shallow-water operations. Analysts say this composition reflects Nigeria’s focus on maritime policing, coastal defence and the protection of its vast waterways.
