By Saminu Ibrahim
The Nigerian Navy has called for greater investment in research, development and emerging technologies to strengthen maritime security, combat crude oil theft and improve operational effectiveness.
The Navy said technology-driven solutions would enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, resource management and the deployment of personnel and equipment to address evolving security threats across the country’s maritime domain.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made the call on Thursday in Abuja, while declaring open the Nigerian Navy Research and Development Seminar 2026, which focused on deepening the application of emerging technologies for operational effectiveness.
He noted that the increasing sophistication of maritime threats required the Navy to improve its intelligence capabilities, strengthen surveillance and deploy appropriate forces to areas where they were most needed.
According to him, the objective is not merely to acquire more technology but to achieve better operational results with available resources.
He explained that technology-enabled maritime surveillance had improved maritime domain awareness and helped the Navy direct patrols towards identified threats.
The intelligence-led approach, he said, had also enhanced the deployment of limited naval assets, reduced expenditure on fuel and maintenance, and improved operational response.
The naval chief added that surveillance of offshore installations and other critical national infrastructure had strengthened efforts to combat crude oil theft and related economic crimes.
He said emerging technologies could further extend these capabilities to creeks and adjoining coastal areas to improve pipeline monitoring and protection, secure vital national assets and sustain oil production.
Abbas also highlighted the progress recorded in indigenous shipbuilding and maintenance through the Navy’s dockyard and shipyard, describing the development as evidence of the country’s growing capacity to build and sustain operational capabilities locally.
On counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations, he stressed the need for improved intelligence gathering, unmanned surveillance, secure communications and battlefield awareness.
He noted that the expanding deployment of naval personnel, including marines and special forces, in joint operations had made the adoption of advanced technologies increasingly important.
The Chief of the Naval Staff said the initiatives aligned with his strategic direction for the Navy, which includes establishing research and development cells at command level and setting up the Nigerian Navy Research Institute.
According to him, the initiatives are designed to institutionalise innovation, harness the ingenuity of naval personnel and translate research into practical and affordable solutions that improve operational coordination, protect personnel and strengthen national security.
He emphasised that meaningful innovation required collaboration among the Navy, universities, research institutions and indigenous industries.
He however urged stakeholders to focus on developing, testing and deploying technologies capable of addressing specific operational challenges.
Abbas said the seminar should identify capability gaps, recommend viable research partnerships and establish practical pathways for translating promising innovations into equipment and systems for operational units.
He maintained that the success of the Navy’s research and development efforts would be measured by the capabilities developed, resources saved and operational results achieved.
The naval chief expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support in strengthening the Navy’s operational capabilities.
He also commended the Naval Transformation and Innovation Branch, headed by Rear Admiral Onyemaobi, for organising the seminar.
He urged participants to contribute their professional expertise to the discussions and ensure that the recommendations produced were practical and implementable.
Earlier, in a welcome address, Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation (CNTI), called for increased investment in research and development and the adoption of emerging technologies to strengthen operational effectiveness and reduce dependence on imported military equipment.
He said the seminar aligns with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to harness emerging technologies, intensify research and development, enhance operational capabilities and promote indigenous technological solutions.
He maintained that emerging technologies were rapidly transforming maritime operations, with unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and additive manufacturing reshaping naval warfare, fleet maintenance and sustainment.
He noted that the rising cost of imported military platforms and spare parts, coupled with prolonged supply lead times, made the development of local technological capacity imperative.
According to him, “a navy that depends entirely on foreign sources for its technology cannot exercise full control over its operational readiness”.
He described research and development as the bridge between emerging technologies and operational requirements, stressing that it was essential to moving the Nigerian Navy from technological dependence towards self-reliance.
He expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff for approving the seminar and attending despite his demanding schedule, describing his presence as a demonstration of his commitment to innovation and self-reliance.
He also acknowledged the contributions of naval personnel, establishments and partner institutions supporting the Navy’s research and development initiatives.
