Nigerian Navy Explores Cutting-Edge Maritime Technologies at DIMDEX 2026 in Qatar
In line with efforts to further strengthen the Nigerian Navy’s platform holdings, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), has participated in the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), held from January 19 to 22, 2026, in Doha, Qatar.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Approves Posting of Four Ambassador-Designates
DIMDEX 2026 was conducted under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces. Recognised as the largest exhibition of maritime defence and security innovations in the Middle East, the event provided a strategic platform for the Nigerian Navy to explore emerging technologies aimed at enhancing its fleet composition in line with global best practices.
During the four-day exhibition, several visiting warships from partner nations were berthed at Hamad Port and opened to dignitaries and visitors. Vice Admiral Abbas engaged extensively with solution providers in the maritime industry, focusing on the latest trends and innovations in naval platforms, as well as opportunities for technology transfer to boost the Nigerian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity.
The Nigerian Navy has so far locally built five seagoing platforms: 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. Prospects for further technology transfer, the CNS noted, would reposition the Navy towards becoming a leading manufacturer of warships on the African continent.
DIMDEX 2026 also enabled the Nigerian Navy to preview a range of precision-guided munitions and naval gunfire support systems suitable for maritime security operations within Nigerian waters and across the Gulf of Guinea. In addition, discussions were held on equipment requirements for the newly established Nigerian Navy Marines, who are expected to be deployed in ongoing joint operations nationwide.
These engagements align with the CNS’s vision 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.”
Nigerian Navy Explores Cutting-Edge Maritime Technologies at DIMDEX 2026 in Qatar