No fewer than 11,000 Nigerians have applied for a chance to sail aboard a Nigerian Navy warship, reflecting strong public interest in the military’s citizen engagement initiative.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abi Folorunso, disclosed the development on Friday via his official social media platform, expressing surprise at the overwhelming turnout.
“We have recorded over 11,000 applications from Nigerians interested in sailing on a Navy warship. Honestly, the number exceeded our expectations,” he said.
Folorunso, however, noted that the Navy would not be able to accommodate all applicants due to limited capacity on the vessels.
“The major challenge is space. It is not possible to take everyone onboard the designated ships,” he added.
He further announced that the names of successful applicants would be published between May 1 and May 3, 2026, urging applicants to check the Nigerian Navy’s official communication channels.r
“The list of selected participants will be released between May 1 and May 3. Applicants are advised to monitor our official social media platforms for updates,” Folorunso stated.
The “citizens’ sail” initiative is part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s annual celebration, popularly known as Navy Week.
The programme is designed to give civilians rare access to naval operations while fostering transparency and strengthening ties between the military and the public.
Interested participants were required to apply through an online portal and meet basic identification and safety requirements. Selected individuals will undergo screening before being allowed onboard and are expected to comply with all safety and operational guidelines.
Navy Week typically features a range of activities, including ship tours, ceremonial parades, medical outreach programmes, and other community-focused engagements across coastal states.
The warship sailing experience is a recent addition aimed at showcasing the Navy’s capabilities and enhancing public trust.
