The Nigerian Navy is charting a bold new course in defence technology, one that prioritises homegrown innovation and self-sufficiency over reliance on foreign military hardware. In a decisive address at the Nigerian Navy Seminar on Research and Development in Abuja, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla issued a clarion call for the military to embrace domestic technological advancements as a cornerstone of national security.
“Our long-term security demands solutions developed by Nigerian minds, tailored to Nigerian realities, and manufactured by Nigerian industries,” Ogalla declared, underscoring the strategic imperative of reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. His remarks come at a critical juncture, as Nigeria seeks to bolster its maritime security capabilities amid evolving threats.
For decades, Nigeria has relied heavily on imported military equipment, often facing delays and vulnerabilities in times of crisis. Security experts have long warned that such dependence undermines operational readiness and compromises sovereignty. Ogalla’s vision seeks to reverse this trend by positioning the Nigerian Navy as a regional leader in naval innovation.
“The battle for maritime security and dominance will no longer be won by numerical superiority alone,” Ogalla asserted. “Rather, our success will depend on superior innovation, intelligence, adaptability, and technological sophistication.”
The Naval Chief outlined a comprehensive roadmap for achieving self-sustainability in defence technology, emphasising the need for accelerated local research and production in key areas such as radars, navigation systems, drones, secure communications equipment, and surveillance platforms. He also called for stronger frameworks in domestic shipbuilding, retrofitting of legacy platforms using local expertise, and the establishment of technology incubation hubs in partnership with the private sector.
Ogalla commended progress made through the Naval Dockyard Limited and Naval Shipyard Limited but stressed the need for more coordinated and deliberate efforts to ensure self-reliance in defence technology. His vision extends beyond mere technological adoption, advocating for a cultural shift within the Navy to embrace innovation as a core operational doctrine.
Rear Admiral Monday Unurhiere, Chief Transformation (Navy), echoed Ogalla’s sentiments, highlighting the transformative impact of technology on modern warfare. “The impact of technological advancement on military operations is well documented and will remain topical for as long as conflicts persist in human society,” he said. Unurhiere noted that the seminar was timely, aligning with the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to eliminating diverse threats to national security.
Professor AVM Osichinaka Ubadike, a leading expert in Aerospace Engineering, further emphasised the critical role of research, development, and innovation in modern warfare. He urged the Nigerian Navy to enhance its ingenuity in UAV technology to aid maritime operations, calling for more local initiatives and technology transfer.
The seminar serves as a catalyst for deeper collaboration between the military, academia, and the private sector. By fostering a robust research and development ecosystem, the Nigerian Navy aims to integrate emerging technologies—such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Unmanned Surface and Underwater Vehicles, Cyber Warfare capabilities, and Satellite Surveillance Systems—into its operational framework.
This strategic shift towards homegrown innovation is not merely about prestige; it is a matter of strategic necessity. As Nigeria confronts complex security challenges, the ability to develop and deploy cutting-edge defence technology domestically will be a defining factor in safeguarding national sovereignty and regional stability. The Nigerian Navy’s commitment to this vision signals a transformative era in defence technology, one that could redefine the future of maritime security in Africa.