Nigerian, Türkiye Strengthen Defence Partnership on Naval Shipbuilding, Technology Transfer

Nigerian, Türkiye Strengthen Defence Partnership on Naval Shipbuilding, Technology Transfer

The Nigerian Navy has renewed efforts to deepen defence-industrial cooperation with Türkiye, with a focus on naval shipbuilding, technology transfer and the development of indigenous maritime defence capabilities.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made this known on Thursday, August 27, 2026, when he received the Deputy Secretary of Defence Industries of Türkiye, Mr Gökhan Uçar, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.

The engagement centred on practical opportunities for collaboration in naval shipbuilding, defence technology, technology transfer, local production and capacity development, particularly in strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and supporting the Nigerian Navy’s fleet modernisation programme.

Speaking during the meeting, Abbas emphasised the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships, sustained engagement and firm contractual commitments in developing credible and enduring defence-industrial cooperation between both countries.

He also stressed the need for partnerships that would deliver greater localisation, skills development, maintenance capabilities and long-term technological value to Nigeria.

The discussions further explored opportunities for joint production, research and development, maintenance and technical capacity building within Nigeria’s maritime defence sector.

The engagement builds on existing Nigeria–Türkiye defence cooperation and reflects ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to develop a more self-reliant maritime defence industrial base.

The visit also underscored the strategic importance of international industrial partnerships in strengthening naval capabilities, accelerating fleet modernisation and improving the Nigerian Navy’s operational effectiveness.

The Nigerian Navy said the engagement reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing partnerships that support indigenous capacity development and enhance Nigeria’s long-term maritime security capabilities.