In a strategic move to enhance the Nigerian Navy’s operational readiness, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, led the service’s delegation to the ninth Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), held in Qatar from 19–22 January 2026, where he engaged with global defence partners and explored critical naval acquisition opportunities.
The Director of Information, Navy, Commodore Awuyor Adams-Aliu in a statement disclosed that DIMDEX 2026 was held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces.
DIMDEX is the largest exhibition of maritime defence and security innovations in the Middle East Region and Nigerian Navy’s participation has opened a new vista for improving NN platform composition in line with emerging cutting-edge technology.
During the four-day event, several visiting warships from partner nations were berthed at Hamad Port and opened to dignitaries and visitors.
The CNS interacted with many solution providers in the maritime industry on latest trends and innovations related to acquisition of platforms and transfer of technology to improve the NN’s indigenous ship production capacity.
The NN has so far built five sea going platforms locally namely; MV SAUKA LAFIA commissioned in 2010, NNS ANDONI commissioned in 2012, NNS KARADUWA commissioned in 2016, MV TUG COMMANDER UGWU commissioned in 2016 and NNS OJI commissioned in 2021.
The prospects of technology transfer would further reposition the NN to become a leading manufacturer of warships on the African continent.
Additionally, DIMDEX 2026 afforded the NN the opportunity to preview various options of precision guided munitions suitable for Maritime Security Operations in Nigerian waters and Naval Gunfire Support.
This is in line with the CNS vision for the NN which is to “develop 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.”