Musa, Science Minister Seek Tech-Driven Solutions for Military Operations
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has called for stronger collaboration among government ministries, departments and agencies to harness innovation and technology in addressing Nigeria’s security and development challenges.
Musa made the call on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Ship House.
The meeting, according to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, focused on strengthening collaboration between the defence sector and agencies under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology to advance research, innovation and technological solutions that can support Nigeria’s security architecture.
Speaking during the meeting, Musa emphasised the need for Nigeria to prioritise indigenous technological development and research, noting that the country must reduce dependence on foreign technologies.
He said locally driven innovation would play a crucial role in addressing national challenges and strengthening the operational capabilities of the armed forces.
The defence minister also highlighted the importance of reliable energy supply for military operations, pointing out that many barracks across the country currently face serious electricity challenges.
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According to him, stronger collaboration with agencies under the innovation ministry, particularly the Energy Commission of Nigeria, would help explore sustainable energy solutions capable of providing stable power to military formations and defence establishments.
“Stable energy supply is essential for operational efficiency, improved living conditions for personnel, and the effective functioning of military institutions,” Musa said, adding that partnership with the energy sector would help develop alternative and sustainable power solutions for barracks.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence to deepen cooperation with the science and technology community in areas of research, innovation, capacity building and energy development to strengthen national security and support the Armed Forces.
Earlier, Udeh said agencies under his ministry were ready to partner with the defence sector in line with the Federal Government’s vision of leveraging science and technology to drive national development.
He noted that the agencies possessed the technological expertise and research capacity to support defence operations and other strategic national initiatives.
Directors-General of some agencies under the ministry, including the National Space Research and Development Agency, the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, and the Energy Commission of Nigeria, also highlighted areas of collaboration and the technologies their institutions could offer in partnership with the defence sector.
Both ministers agreed that stronger institutional partnerships would help harness Nigeria’s scientific potential and translate research outcomes into practical solutions that support national development and security.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, directors from both ministries and other senior officials.
By PRNigeria
