Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and the Managing Director of ASELSAN Nigeria Limited, Amadou Thiam
Nigerian Navy has intensified efforts to strengthen indigenous shipbuilding capacity and modernize its operational capabilities through strategic partnerships with global defence technology firms.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the Managing Director of ASELSAN Nigeria Limited, Amadou Thiam, during a high-level engagement aimed at exploring areas of collaboration.
According to Abbas, the Nigerian Navy is prioritizing partnerships that will deliver tangible benefits, particularly in technology transfer and development of local expertise.
“This engagement is timely,” Vice Admiral Abbas was quoted as saying in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
“We are especially interested in partnerships that deliver real value. Technology transfer and local capacity building are key.
‘But for such collaborations to succeed, they must be well-structured, ideally on a government-to-government basis, to protect national security interests.” He added.
The Naval Chief emphasized that such collaborations are essential to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security architecture while promoting domestic industrial growth.
Responding, Thiam expressed ASELSAN’s readiness to build a long-term relationship with the Nigerian Navy, noting that the company brings advanced defence technologies capable of enhancing naval operations.
. “We see strong potential for collaboration,” he said. “This includes joint ventures with local shipyards, introducing advanced defence systems, and helping upgrade naval platforms. .
“Our work in unmanned systems, infrared tracking, and combat solutions is ready to support the Navy’s mission.
“We are committed to bringing real technology and expertise to Nigeria’s naval operations.”
As part of the visit, the delegation toured Naval Dockyard Limited, where Seaward Defence Boats are currently under construction. The facility tour provided an opportunity for both parties to identify practical areas of cooperation and assess how technology deployment could accelerate local shipbuilding efforts.
Vice Admiral Abbas further noted that effective partnerships would not only improve operational readiness but also stimulate the growth of Nigeria’s local shipbuilding industry, creating long-term benefits for national security and economic development.
The engagement underscores the Nigerian Navy’s broader push to modernize its fleet, deepen local technical capacity, and reduce dependence on foreign-built vessels.
