CNS Attends Doha Maritime Defence Expo, Seeks Tech Transfer for Navy
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CNS Attends Doha Maritime Defence Expo, Seeks Tech Transfer for Navy
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Chief of the Naval Staff, CNS Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has attended the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) as part of efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Navy’s platform holding and operational capability.
The exhibition, which held in Doha, Qatar, from January 19 to 22, 2026, was organised under the patronage of the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces.
INCNews247 reports that DIMDEX is regarded as the largest maritime defence and security exhibition in the Middle East, bringing together global stakeholders in naval warfare, shipbuilding and maritime security.
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The Nigerian Navy’s participation, according to officials, has opened new opportunities for improving its fleet composition in line with emerging and cutting-edge technologies.
During the four-day event, several warships from partner nations were berthed at Hamad Port and opened to visiting dignitaries and other participants.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, Vice Admiral Abbas held engagements with solution providers in the maritime industry on current trends and innovations, particularly in the areas of platform acquisition and technology transfer aimed at enhancing the Nigerian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity.
The Navy has so far built five sea-going platforms locally, including 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.
The prospects of further technology transfer, naval sources said, would reposition the service towards becoming a leading manufacturer of warships on the African continent.
DIMDEX 2026 also provided an opportunity for the Nigerian Navy to assess options for precision-guided munitions and naval gunfire support systems suitable for maritime security operations in Nigerian waters and across the Gulf of Guinea.
Additionally, discussions were held on equipment requirements for the recently established Nigerian Navy Marines, who are expected to be deployed in ongoing joint operations across the country.
The engagements align with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff 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,” the Navy said.
