Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s strongest naval power in 2026, operating the continent’s largest fleet with 152 vessels and ranking 22nd globally, according to the Global Firepower (GF) report.
The Nigerian Navy’s fleet includes frigates, patrol vessels and mine warfare ships, underscoring the country’s focus on maritime security and coastal defense. Patrol vessels dominate the fleet, accounting for 132 of the 152 vessels, reflecting an emphasis on shallow-water operations and the protection of Nigeria’s extensive maritime domain.
Nigeria’s fleet, with a combined tonnage of 38,052 tonnes, supports security across the country’s 853-kilometre coastline and 8,600 kilometres of inland waterways. The navy operates one frigate for blue-water missions and two mine warfare vessels for safeguarding strategic waterways.
However, Nigeria currently does not operate submarines, destroyers, aircraft carriers or corvettes.
Elsewhere on the continent, Egypt ranks second in Africa with 149 vessels, followed by Algeria with 111. Morocco and South Africa operate 100 and 63 vessels respectively, while Tunisia, Mozambique and Angola also feature among Africa’s top naval powers.
The fleets play key roles in regional maritime security, including protecting shipping routes and combating smuggling.
