Navy seeks partnerships to boost local shipbuilding capacity

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Nigerian Navy says it is ready to partner with relevant organisations to strengthen indigenous shipbuilding and enhance naval operations.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made the remarks in Abuja during a meeting with the Managing Director of ASELSAN Nigeria Limited, Mr Amadou Ndongo Thiam. The navy said the engagement aligns with its broader strategy to promote local content, technology transfer and sustainable capability development.

According to a statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the talks explored a potential long-term partnership involving joint ventures, collaboration with local shipyards and the integration of advanced defence technologies into naval platforms.

The statement added that the ASELSAN delegation also visited Naval Dockyard Limited, where ongoing construction of Seaward Defence Boats highlighted opportunities to expandNigeria’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity.

Mr Abbas described the engagement as timely and strategic, saying the navy remains committed to partnerships that deliver measurable technology transfer and strengthen Nigeria’s defence industrial base. He also stressed the need for structured collaborations, particularly through government-to-government arrangements, to ensure transparency and alignment with national security priorities.

ASELSAN said it has expertise in areas including unmanned systems, infrared tracking technologies and integrated combat solutions, which it believes could support the modernisation of Nigeria’s naval fleet and improve maritime security operations.