The Federal Government has pledged its commitment to foster the policies and private sector engagement to support the nation’s military-industrial complex while placing Nigeria as a significant player in military hardware manufacturing.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar made this commitment while speaking at the maiden Annual Seminar and Exhibition in Abuja on Tuesday.
The event scheduled for October 15-16, at the college Auditorium of the National Defence College, Abuja had the Minister of Defence as its special guest of honour.
THE WHISTLER reports that the two-day event is expected to feature a series of seminars, and exhibitions by the various Services and private entities who through research and development (R&D) have conceived innovations, and established relevant equipment and operational tools to improve military capacity.
Giving his remarks, the minister recognised the vital role of innovation in fostering a secure and prosperous nation, particularly as the global landscape undergoes an unprecedented technological transformation.
He said that to effectively respond to today’s dynamic global threats, countries including Nigeria are exploring diverse strategies and adaptive military responses to enhance their defence capabilities as threats are increasingly asymmetric and evolving.
The minister noted that Nigeria is also making strides in strengthening her military capabilities by leveraging technology while promoting the enabling environment for indigenous manufacturing of military might to avert capital flight.
He said, “However, the financial and diplomatic impediments associated with the import of equipment and technology underscore the urgent need for developing indigenous capabilities through an integrated and collaborative approach, which defines the Military Industrial Complex.”
Speaking on the theme of the event titled, ‘Enhancing Synergy in R&D Towards a Robust Military Industrial Complex in Nigeria,’ the minister stated its aim to explore the essential connection between R&D and the nation’s Military Industrial Complex towards the development of local technology.’
He said, “As we gather to discuss ways to enhance synergy in R&D towards a robust Military Industrial Complex in Nigeria, let us champion local initiatives.
“This will place Nigeria on a better pedestal to become a significant player in military hardware manufacturing, ultimately generating foreign exchange earnings.
“The Ministry of Defence will continue to foster policies that will encourage private sector participation in defence R&D, in the support of our Military Industrial Complex.
“We will also invest in continuous capacity building to enhance our defence research standards and adaptation of military technology; as expertise and knowledge are crucial in this endeavour.
“Additionally, we must keep abreast of the regional and global security environment due to the transnational nature of most security concerns. This, to a great extent, determines our defence and security equipment requirements as well as R&D initiatives.
“It also drives most four defence innovations and technological advancements. Nigeria has a solid foundation to build innovation systems that benefit our nation, but a comprehensive approach is necessary to stimulate collaboration and coordination across sectors through a robust and mutually benefitting civil-military collaboration.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji noted the event highlighted the critical role that R&D plays in strengthening our military capacity and ensuring national security.
He said that Nigeria has the potential and resources to lead in defence innovation on the continent, however, to unlock such potential requires a coordinated effort among all stakeholders including private sector partners and the defence establishment.
“This integrated framework—a Military Industrial Complex- brings together resources and expertise, reduces redundancy, and enhances efficiency
“More importantly, it ensures that our R&D activities align with the operational needs of our armed forces, addressing both current and emerging security challenges across the country.
“For our Military Industrial Complex to thrive, we must cultivate A sustainable innovation ecosystem. This involves not only developing cutting-edge technologies but also ensuring the necessary infrastructure, policies, and human capital are in place to support them.
“My Ministry is actively fostering a dynamic R&D ecosystem that includes defence-related technologies. We are also expanding our capabilities in emerging fields such as quantum computing. Biotechnology, and space technology, all of which have critical implications for national defence.”
On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa noted that due to the rapid technological advancement and complex security challenges, the role of R&D in shaping and adapting military capabilities has never been more demanding than now.
He said that given the level of involvement of the Armed Forces in a broad spectrum of security operations, there is an increasing need to develop indigenous equipment, hence a Military Industrial Complex, which embodies critical stakeholders.
He said, “In the contemporary security environment, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and unmanned aerial systems have also taken centre stage and are areas we must explore.
“Undoubtedly, investments in these aspects of research and development are critical for maintaining military readiness and staying ahead of potential adversaries.”
Finally, Director General, DRDB, Maj.-Gen. EA Ndagi said that the Bureau has started conducting identification programmes encouraging the armed forces to identify skilled and talented personnel in the barracks and making them available for further guidance and management.
“This is aimed at preventing such talented individuals from being recruited from mischievous elements in the society to react to security problems,” he said.
He added that to further consolidate the activities of DRDB, the Bureau “Intends to establish a research centre in some parts of the country to enhance the military-industrial complex.
“It is also essential to add that most of the activities in the Bureau are driven by the contemporary security environment and the needs of the defence sector.”
He further noted plans by the DRDB to explore opportunities to build a collaborative ecosystem that supports the development of the robust revolving industrial complex while conceiving ideas that will improve the Defence National Capability and promote better collaboration innovation and reliance on our local content.
FG Pledges To Support Military Industrial Capacities is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
