Chief Of Naval Staff Leads Nigerian Navy Delegation To DIMDEX 2026
In line with ongoing efforts to further strengthen the Nigerian Navy’s fleet and operational capabilities, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), has 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 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. The exhibition is regarded as the largest maritime defence and security exhibition in the Middle East, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in naval platforms, weapons systems, and maritime security solutions.
The Nigerian Navy’s participation at DIMDEX 2026 provided a strategic platform to explore opportunities for improving the Navy’s platform composition in line with emerging technologies. During the four-day event, several visiting warships from partner nations were berthed at Hamad Port and opened to dignitaries and visitors, further enhancing professional interaction and naval diplomacy.
While at the exhibition, the Chief of the Naval Staff engaged with leading maritime industry solution providers on the latest trends in naval platform acquisition and technology transfer aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity. To date, the Nigerian Navy has successfully built five seagoing platforms locally, namely: 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 additional technology transfer are expected to further reposition the Nigerian Navy towards becoming a leading warship manufacturer on the African continent.
DIMDEX 2026 also afforded the Nigerian Navy the opportunity to assess various 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 across the country.
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.”
The Nigerian Navy’s participation at DIMDEX 2026 underscores its commitment to continuous modernization, capacity development, and international cooperation in addressing evolving maritime security challenges.
