The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has explored cutting-edge technologies to strengthen the Nigerian Navy fleet.
The CNS attended the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), held in Qatar, as part of efforts to further enhance the Nigerian Navy’s platform holdings and operational capabilities.
This was contained in a statement signed by Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Information.
DIMDEX 2026, hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, is the largest maritime defence and security exhibition in the Middle East.
The event brings together global maritime stakeholders to showcase emerging technologies and innovations in naval warfare and maritime security.
During the four-day exhibition, Vice Admiral Abbas engaged extensively with leading solution providers in the maritime defence industry, focusing on modern naval platforms, precision-guided munitions, naval gunfire support systems, and opportunities for technology transfer.
These engagements are aimed at enhancing the Nigerian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity and aligning its fleet development with cutting-edge global standards.
The CNS recalled that the Nigerian Navy has made notable progress in local shipbuilding, having successfully constructed and commissioned five seagoing platforms: MV Sauka Lafia (2010), NNS Andoni (2012), NNS Karaduwa (2016), MV Tug Commander Ugwu (2016), and NNS Oji (2021).
He noted that sustained technology-transfer partnerships would further position the Nigerian Navy as a leading warship manufacturer on the African continent.
DIMDEX 2026 also provided an opportunity for the Nigerian Navy to assess equipment options suitable for maritime security operations within Nigerian waters and across the Gulf of Guinea.
In addition, discussions were held on equipment requirements for the recently established Nigerian Navy Marines, who are expected to be deployed in various ongoing joint operations nationwide.
These engagements align with the vision of developing “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.”
Several visiting warships from partner nations were also berthed at Hamad Port during the exhibition, offering dignitaries and participants practical insights into contemporary naval capabilities and interoperability.
The Nigerian Navy said its participation in DIMDEX 2026 has opened new avenues for strategic partnerships, fleet modernisation, and enhanced maritime security capacity in line with emerging global trends.
DIMDEX 2026: Chief of Naval Staff explores technologies to strengthen Nigerian Navy
DIMDEX 2026: Chief of Naval Staff explores technologies to strengthen Nigerian Navy
