The Nigerian Navy is seeking greater localisation in its defence-industrial partnership with Türkiye, with emphasis on indigenous shipbuilding, technology transfer, skills development and local maintenance capability.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, stated this on Thursday, August 27, 2026, when he received the Deputy Secretary of Defence Industries of Türkiye, Mr Gökhan Uçar, at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.
According to an official statement signed by the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the engagement centred on practical opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous defence-industrial capacity and support the modernisation of the Nigerian Navy’s fleet.
The statement said discussions focused on naval shipbuilding, defence technology, technology transfer, local production and capacity development, particularly in strengthening Nigeria’s ability to design, build, maintain and sustain naval platforms locally.
Vice Admiral Abbas stressed the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships that would deliver lasting technological and industrial value to Nigeria.
He also emphasised the need for sustained engagement and firm contractual commitments in developing credible and enduring defence-industrial cooperation between both countries.
The Chief of the Naval Staff further highlighted localisation, skills development and maintenance capability as critical components of the partnership, noting that collaboration should go beyond the acquisition of platforms to developing the technical expertise and industrial capacity required to sustain them within Nigeria.
The engagement also explored opportunities for joint production, research and development, maintenance and technical capacity development in the maritime defence sector.
The visit builds on ongoing Nigeria–Türkiye defence cooperation and underscores the growing importance of strategic industrial partnerships to Nigeria’s efforts to develop a more self-reliant naval force.
The Nigerian Navy said the partnership would contribute to strengthening its operational capabilities while advancing its drive towards a modern, technologically enabled and sustainable fleet.
