Abuja: The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, emphasized the critical need for the Nigerian military to adopt homegrown technology and innovation to maintain strategic superiority. Speaking at the Nigerian Navy Seminar on Research and Development in Abuja, themed ‘Utilising Emerging Technology for Enhanced Operational Effectiveness,’ Ogalla highlighted the importance of technological advancements over traditional fleet size for maritime security.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ogalla, represented by the Chief of Communication and Information Technology (Navy), Rear Adm. Hamza Kaoje, pointed out that modern threats are increasingly characterized by asymmetric warfare tactics. These threats are posed by pirates, oil thieves, smugglers, and insurgent groups using advanced technologies such as unmanned platforms and encrypted communications.
Ogalla stressed that superiority in maritime security would hinge on innovation, intelligence, adaptability, and technological sophistication rather than numerical strength. He urged Nigeria to reduce its reliance on imported technologies and focus on developing critical assets locally. He identified key areas for domestic research and production, including radars, navigation systems, drones, secure communications gear, and surveillance systems.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, Ogalla noted modest successes in local shipbuilding through the Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL) and the Naval Shipyard Limited (NSL). He urged for an expedited pace and announced plans to launch innovation hubs, hackathons, and ideation labs to leverage the creativity of naval personnel.
Ogalla also emphasized the essential link between innovation and personnel welfare, stating that research and development must be institutionalized as a core strategic asset. He called for comprehensive societal support, including policy and funding from lawmakers, partnerships with the private sector, and collaboration with universities to translate research into operational technologies. He underscored the necessity of genuine technology transfer agreements to replace foreign dependencies.
Rear Adm. Monday Unurhiere, Chief Transformation (Navy), reiterated the significant impact of technological advancements on military operations, noting their role in shaping battle outcomes. He stated that the seminar aligns with the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to addressing national security threats.
In a lecture, AVM Osichinaka Ubadike, a Professor of Aerospace Engineering, advocated for enhancing UAV technology to support maritime operations. Ubadike underscored the importance of research, development, and innovation in modern warfare, urging the services to prioritize local initiatives and technology transfer.