Nigeria Tops Africa’s Naval Power Ranking in 2026

Nigeria has been ranked as having the strongest naval fleet in Africa in the 2026 Global Firepower Index, marking a significant milestone for the country’s maritime security and defence capability.

According to the latest Global Firepower (GFP) report, the Nigerian Navy emerged as the most capable naval force on the continent, based on fleet size and overall naval assets. The ranking places Nigeria ahead of other leading African naval powers such as Egypt and Algeria, and positions the country 22nd globally in naval strength.

The assessment by Global Firepower focuses on the number and types of vessels operated by each country, including patrol ships, offshore support vessels and other operational platforms. Nigeria’s fleet, estimated at over 150 vessels, was cited as a key factor behind its top ranking in Africa.

The development reflects sustained investment by the Federal Government in naval expansion, maritime security and indigenous shipbuilding. In recent years, the Nigerian Navy has intensified efforts to combat piracy, illegal bunkering and other forms of maritime crime, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.

Reacting to the ranking, defence analysts say the recognition underscores Nigeria’s growing role as a regional maritime security leader and highlights improvements in operational readiness and fleet capacity.

However, experts also note that the ranking relates specifically to naval capability and does not represent overall military strength, where other African countries still rank higher globally.

The Global Firepower Index is an internationally recognised platform that assesses the military strength of countries using a range of conventional indicators, including manpower, equipment, logistics and financial resources.