By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, says the Nigerian Navy is seeking advanced maritime platforms and enhanced technology transfer to strengthen its operational capacity.
Abbas made the call at the 9th Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) in Qatar.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, on Thursday in Abuja.
The CNS highlighted the Nigerian Navy’s growing local shipbuilding profile, noting that five seagoing platforms have so far been constructed domestically, including MV Sauka Lafia, NNS Andoni, NNS Karaduwa and NNS Oji.
According to him, enhanced technology transfer would further reposition the Nigerian navy as a leading manufacturer of warships on the African continent.
DIMDEX 2026, held from Jan. 19 to Jan. 22 under the patronage of the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces.
The exhibition, regarded as the largest maritime defence and security showcase in the Middle East, provided the Nigerian Navy with fresh opportunities to explore cutting-edge maritime technologies and innovative naval platforms.
During the four-day event, Vice Adm. Abbas interacted with leading global solution providers on emerging trends in shipbuilding, acquisition of platforms and technology transfer aimed at boosting the Navy’s indigenous ship production capability.
Several visiting warships from partner nations were also berthed at Hamad Port and opened to dignitaries and participants.
DIMDEX 2026 also enabled the Navy to preview a range of precision-guided munitions suitable for maritime security operations and naval gunfire support in Nigerian waters.
The participation, he said, aligns with his vision to develop a modern, agile and professional naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests in synergy with other security agencies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
