Esther Oseyiomon
The Nigerian Navy has disclosed that it has successfully built five indigenous vessels since 2010, with construction of additional defence boats and a ferry currently underway as part of efforts to strengthen local shipbuilding capacity and maritime security operations.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made the disclosure on Thursday, May 21, 2026, during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary celebration.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Akinola Olatunde, the naval chief said the service has continued to deepen indigenous shipbuilding capabilities through the local production of operational vessels at its dockyards.
According to him, the Navy has completed five vessels since 2010, including a ferry, a dock boat and three seaward defence boats, describing the achievement as a major milestone in Nigeria’s maritime and defence development.
He disclosed that the Naval Shipyard Limited in Port Harcourt is currently constructing a 27-metre ferry for the Akwa Ibom State Government, while the Naval Dockyard Limited in Lagos is building two 44.2-metre seaward defence boats.
The naval chief further revealed that the Navy’s dockyard operations have expanded beyond Nigeria’s borders, with the Naval Dockyard Limited refitting warships for neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region.
According to him, the dockyard successfully refitted three warships for the Benin Republic Navy between 2024 and 2025 and is presently handling three additional vessels for the same country.
Vice Admiral Abbas described indigenous shipbuilding as one of the Navy’s greatest achievements since its establishment 70 years ago, noting that the service has evolved from inheriting a few crafts from the Royal Navy to becoming one of Africa’s strongest naval forces.
He recalled that the Nigerian Navy began operations with only 11 inherited crafts and about 250 officers and ratings, but has now grown to more than 34,000 personnel with a significantly expanded fleet and operational capability.
The naval chief also announced that some of the indigenously built vessels would participate in the International Fleet Review scheduled for June 1, 2026, at the Eco Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of activities commemorating the Navy’s anniversary.
He noted that the locally built vessels had previously taken centre stage during the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review, where they led the naval procession in what he described as a proud moment for Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing efforts.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Vice Admiral Abbas disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to inaugurate three vessels, while activities lined up for the celebration will officially commence on May 23 with special Jumu’ah prayers across naval formations nationwide.
The Navy said the anniversary celebration would also highlight its operational achievements, maritime security efforts and growing contribution to indigenous defence technology and shipbuilding development in Nigeria.