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Tag: Qatar

  • Nigerian Navy Seeks Advanced Maritime Platforms, Technology Transfer at DIMDEX 2026

    Nigerian Navy Seeks Advanced Maritime Platforms, Technology Transfer at DIMDEX 2026

    The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has said the Nigerian Navy is pursuing advanced maritime platforms and enhanced technology transfer to strengthen its operational capacity.

    Abbas made this known at the 9th Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) held in Qatar.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu.

    According to the CNS, the Nigerian Navy has made significant progress in local shipbuilding, having constructed five seagoing platforms domestically. These include MV Sauka Lafia, NNS Andoni, NNS Karaduwa and NNS Oji.

    He noted that improved technology transfer would further reposition the Nigerian Navy as a leading manufacturer of warships on the African continent.

    DIMDEX 2026, held from January 19 to January 22 under the patronage of the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces.

    The exhibition, regarded as the largest maritime defence and security showcase in the Middle East, offered the Nigerian Navy opportunities to explore cutting-edge maritime technologies and innovative naval platforms.

    During the four-day event, Vice Admiral Abbas engaged with leading global defence solution providers on emerging trends in shipbuilding, acquisition of naval platforms and technology transfer aimed at enhancing indigenous ship production.

    Several warships from partner nations were also berthed at Hamad Port and opened for inspection by dignitaries and participants.

    DIMDEX 2026 also enabled the Nigerian Navy to preview a range of precision-guided munitions suitable for maritime security operations and naval gunfire support within Nigerian waters.

    The CNS said the Navy’s participation aligns with his vision of building a modern, agile and professional naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests in collaboration with other security agencies.

  • Presidency Reveals Why Tinubu Sons Were Included In FG Delegation To Qatar

    Presidency Reveals Why Tinubu Sons Were Included In FG Delegation To Qatar

    The presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu‘s decision to include his sons among the delegation going with him to Qatar.

    President Tinubu’s sons, Seyi and Yinka, were among the delegation members to travel with the President on a state visit to Doha, Qatar.

    The Nigerian leader will visit the Arabian country for a business and investment meeting scheduled for March 2 and 3, 2024, but will be accompanied by 38 others, including his sons.

    Following the development, the President came under fire for including his sons in the delegation to Qatar for a state visit.

    Reacting in a post via his official X handle on Tuesday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital/New Media, O’tega Ogra, said the President’s decision was not a new thing and not uncommon.

    Ogra said that some world leaders take their children on state visits to educate them about world affairs and different cultures, and to maintain a semblance of family life, despite the demands of public office.

    The presidential aide, therefore, asked Nigerians to stop majoring in minor things and focus on relevant issues.

    He wrote: “It is not uncommon for children of world leaders to accompany their parents on foreign trips. In fact, it is the norm. Canadian PM Trudeau is known to travel with his family on official trips abroad. Same with UK PMs – even if somewhat muted.

    “From the public image and diplomacy angle, bringing family members can soften a leader’s public image and aid in diplomatic relations by showcasing a relatable, family-oriented side.

    “For some leaders, taking their children on such trips is a way of educating them about world affairs and different cultures.

    “Others do it to maintain some semblance of family life, despite the demands of public office, and for security considerations.

    “The Obamas, Clintons, Bushs, Trumps and others went on tons of foreign trips whilst in office with their families.

    “We really need to stop majoring in minors in the name of castigating everything.”