Chief Of Naval Staff Calls For Indigenous Innovation To Drive Nigerian Navy’s Operational Effectiveness

Chief Of Naval Staff Calls For Indigenous Innovation To Drive Nigerian Navy’s Operational Effectiveness

On Thursday, 2 October 2025, the Nigerian Navy (NN) held its annual Seminar on Research and Development (R & D) at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja. The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, delivered the keynote address through his representative, Rear Admiral Hamza Umar Faruk Kaoje. The theme of the seminar was “Utilizing Emerging Technology for Enhanced Operational Effectiveness.”

In his address, the CNS expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast support to the NN. He stressed that modern maritime security challenges demand technological innovation rather than numerical strength, calling for increased focus on indigenous research, local shipbuilding, and the development of mission-critical systems such as radars, surveillance drones, and secure communications. He further highlighted the importance of partnerships with academia, the private sector, and relevant stakeholders to foster innovation and self-reliance in naval operations.

The seminar also featured a guest lecture by Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Chiedu Ubadike, Director of Research at the Air Force Research and Development Institute, Osogbo. The second segment was moderated by Rear Admiral SA Yahaya with discussants Major General NJ Edet, Air Vice Marshall OA Oyename, and Commodore ER Ekuma. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the NN’s R & D ecosystem, with the aim of building a technologically empowered, locally sustained, and operationally decisive Navy capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.