Navy Moves To Overhaul Logistics System For Better Operations

The Nigerian Navy has commenced moves to strengthen its logistics system through increased use of technology, improved fleet maintenance and efficient lifecycle management to enhance operational readiness.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, disclosed this on Thursday at the Nigerian Navy Logistics Seminar 2026 held at the Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Dawakin Tofa, Kano State.

Abbas, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the seminar, said the changing security environment had placed greater demands on the Navy’s logistics system as the service increasingly participated in joint and land-based operations.

He said the emergence of the Nigerian Navy Marines and Special Operations Command had further expanded the operational responsibilities of the service, requiring logistics planning to accommodate land mobility, field sustainment, combat supplies, temporary accommodation, medical support and forward maintenance.

The naval chief said the seminar must go beyond identifying existing challenges and develop practical and measurable recommendations for improving resource planning, procurement, inventory management, accountability and service delivery.

He said the recommendations should align with his Strategic Directive 2026–2027, which emphasised increased application of Information and Communication Technology across logistics, improved fleet maintenance management and greater efficiency in lifecycle support.

Abbas said the Navy also needed a long-term logistics roadmap capable of supporting fleet renewal, indigenous shipbuilding and expanding operational responsibilities.

He stated that acquiring modern platforms without putting in place the logistics capacity to sustain them throughout their service lives would undermine their operational value.

“Fleet renewal must be matched by corresponding logistics renewal,” he said.

The Chief of Naval Staff said the desired logistics system must be capable of anticipating fleet growth, absorbing new capabilities and providing resilience for future operations.

Earlier, the Chief of Naval Logistics, Rear Admiral Suleiman Abdullahi, said the seminar was designed to bring together military professionals, industry practitioners, technical experts and other stakeholders to share experiences and develop practical solutions to the Navy’s logistics challenges.

Abdullahi said the programme featured presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions to examine existing practices, challenges and lessons learned in naval logistics.

He urged participants to engage openly and professionally on issues affecting the responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness of the Navy’s logistics system, with emphasis on ensuring that logistical support adequately met operational requirements.