In a strategic move to enhance Nigeria’s maritime capabilities, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), attended the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) in Qatar from January 19 to 22, 2026.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces, DIMDEX is the Middle East’s largest exhibition of maritime defence and security innovations. The Nigerian Navy’s participation provided a platform to explore advanced naval technologies and bolster the nation’s naval fleet. Visiting warships from partner nations were berthed at Hamad Port, offering dignitaries and attendees an up-close look at modern maritime assets.
At the four-day event, Vice Admiral Abbas engaged with multiple maritime solution providers to explore the latest trends in platform acquisition and technology transfer. This aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the Nigerian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity. To date, the Navy has locally built five sea-going platforms: MV Sauka Lafia (2010), NNS Andoni (2012), NNS Karaduwa (2016), MV Tug Commander Ugwu (2016), and NNS Oji (2021). Technology transfer opportunities from DIMDEX are expected to further position the Nigerian Navy as a leading warship manufacturer in Africa.
DIMDEX 2026 also provided the Navy with the chance to review precision-guided munitions and naval gunfire support systems suitable for maritime security operations in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea. Discussions were also held on equipping the recently established Nigerian Navy Marines for integration into ongoing joint operations nationwide.
Vice Admiral Abbas reaffirmed his vision for the Nigerian Navy: “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.”
