Nigeria, Pakistan Navies Team Up To Boost Shipbuilding Capacity

According to Ireporter Online, the Nigerian Navy has entered into a strategic partnership with the Pakistan Navy aimed at enhancing indigenous shipbuilding capacity and deepening defence cooperation between both countries.

The development was disclosed by the Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, while receiving participants of the 55th Pakistan Navy Senior Staff College Course who are currently in Lagos on a study tour. He said the visiting delegation would engage with the Naval Dockyard Limited in Lagos to explore practical ways of advancing Nigeria’s shipbuilding capabilities, drawing from the long-standing military relationship between the two nations.

Rear Admiral Mustapha noted that Nigeria has benefited significantly from defence collaboration with Pakistan over the years, particularly in equipment procurement. He explained that the Nigerian Air Force operates several platforms acquired from Pakistan, including the JF-17 multi-role combat aircraft and the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, which he described as critical assets that have positively impacted operational effectiveness.

He added that the Nigerian Army has also gained from the partnership through the acquisition of communication equipment and anti-drone jamming systems sourced from Pakistan. Beyond equipment, he said both countries have sustained cooperation in training and capacity building through exchange programmes involving staff colleges and war colleges, as well as joint exercises focused on maritime operations, safety and doctrinal development.

On shipbuilding, Mustapha stated that Nigeria is seeking deeper collaboration with Pakistan to further strengthen local capacity. He disclosed that Nigeria already possesses indigenous shipbuilding capability and is currently constructing Seaward Defence Boats 5 and 6, adding that Pakistan’s technical expertise could help scale these efforts to higher levels.

He further explained that defence cooperation between Nigeria and Pakistan is anchored on three key pillars: equipment procurement, training and capacity building, and intelligence sharing. While acknowledging that some training exchange programmes had not been fully sustained, he said Nigerian officers trained in Pakistan have consistently distinguished themselves professionally, reflecting the high standards of Pakistan’s military institutions.

Mustapha added that Nigerian officers continue to participate in courses at Pakistan’s Staff College and National Defence University, which he described as rigorous and globally competitive. He expressed optimism that the partnership would be further strengthened in the years ahead.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Commodore Muhammad Zalid Zaheer, Commodore Training Ashore at the Headquarters Command in Karachi, commended Nigerian Navy officers who have undergone training in Pakistan, describing them as disciplined, intelligent and highly professional. He revealed that the Senior Staff Course comprises 102 officers, including 28 international participants, with one officer from Nigeria.

Zaheer said the Pakistani Navy remains open to expanding areas of collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, stressing that the delegation arrived in Nigeria with a strong willingness to deepen bilateral cooperation.

The event was attended by the Chief Staff Officer of the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Nnamdi Ekwum, Pakistan’s Defence Attaché, Colonel Kanran Mushtag, and other senior military officers from both countries.