The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has underscored the need for strategic technology transfer as a critical step towards strengthening the Nigerian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding and production capacity.
Vice Admiral Abbas made this known while engaging with solution providers and industry leaders in the global maritime sector during the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), held in Qatar.
He said the engagement was aimed at exploring emerging trends, innovations, and partnerships that could enhance the acquisition and local production of naval platforms for the Nigerian Navy.
In a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Augustine Adams-Aliu, DIMDEX 2026 was held under the patronage of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces.
Described as the largest maritime defence and security exhibition in the Middle East, DIMDEX brings together navies, defence manufacturers, and technology providers from around the world.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Navy’s participation at the event has opened new opportunities for improving its fleet composition in line with cutting-edge technological developments.
Throughout the four-day exhibition, several warships from partner nations were berthed at Hamad Port and made accessible to dignitaries and visitors, providing practical insights into modern naval platforms and systems.
The CNS noted that the Nigerian Navy has already recorded notable achievements in indigenous shipbuilding, having constructed five seagoing platforms locally.
These include MV Sauka Lafia, commissioned in 2010; NNS Andoni in 2012; NNS Karaduwa in 2016; MV Tug Commander Ugwu in 2016; and NNS Oji in 2021.
He said sustained technology transfer and collaboration with global partners would further position the Nigerian Navy as a leading warship manufacturer on the African continent, while enhancing self-reliance and operational readiness.
Beyond shipbuilding, Vice Admiral Abbas explained that DIMDEX 2026 also provided the Navy with opportunities to assess precision-guided munitions and advanced weapon systems suitable for maritime security operations and naval gunfire support.
He added that the engagements align with his vision to build “a modern, agile and professional naval force dedicated to securing Nigeria’s maritime interests and advancing national security objectives in synergy with other security agencies.”
Linus Aleke, Abuja
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