DIMDEX 2026: Nigerian Navy Seeks Platform Upgrade, Technology Transfer

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), attended the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), held from 19 to 22 January 2026 in Doha, Qatar.

DIMDEX 2026 was held 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 maritime defence and security exhibition in the Middle East, DIMDEX provides a global platform for showcasing cutting-edge maritime defence technologies.

The Nigerian Navy’s participation opened new opportunities for enhancing its platform composition in line with emerging technological advancements. During the four-day event, several visiting warships from partner nations were berthed at Hamad Port and made accessible to dignitaries and visitors.
At the exhibition, the Chief of the Naval Staff engaged extensively with maritime industry solution providers on current trends in naval platform acquisition and technology transfer aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity. So far, the Nigerian Navy has successfully constructed five seagoing platforms locally: MV Sauka Lafia commissioned in 2010; NNS Andoni commissioned in 2012; NNS Karaduwa commissioned in 2016; MV Tug Commander Lgwu commissioned in 2016; and NNS Oji commissioned in 2021. Prospects for further technology transfer are expected to reposition the Nigerian Navy towards becoming a leading warship manufacturer on the African continent.

DIMDEX 2026 also provided the Nigerian Navy with the opportunity to assess 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 recently established Nigerian Navy Marines, who are expected to be deployed in support of ongoing joint operations nationwide.
These 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.”