The Nigerian Navy has signalled its readiness to deepen collaboration with key industry players in a move aimed at strengthening indigenous shipbuilding and reinforcing the nation’s maritime security capabilities.
This commitment was underscored by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, during a meeting with Amadou Ndongo Thiam, Managing Director of ASELSAN Nigeria Limited, at Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
The company, a subsidiary of Turkish defence powerhouse ASELSAN, specialises in advanced defence electronics, radar systems, communications technology, and electro-optic solutions tailored for modern military operations.
Speaking during the visit, Abbas emphasised the Navy’s focus on partnerships that deliver meaningful technology transfer while reinforcing Nigeria’s defence industrial base.
He stressed that carefully structured collaborations, particularly those anchored on government-to-government agreements, remain vital to ensuring transparency, operational efficiency, and alignment with national security priorities.
Such efforts, he noted, would position the Navy to better safeguard the country’s maritime domain.
Thiam, in response, affirmed ASELSAN’s interest in forging a long-term relationship with the navy, outlining plans centred on joint ventures, collaboration with local shipyards, and the integration of cutting-edge defence technologies.
He pointed to the firm’s expertise in areas such as unmanned systems, infrared tracking technologies, integrated combat solutions, and the modernisation of naval platforms as key assets it brings to the table.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, the visit also included a tour of Naval Dockyard Limited, where ongoing construction of Seaward Defence Boats highlighted the growing potential for synergy between the navy and Nigeria’s emerging indigenous shipbuilding sector.