Defence Minister Advocates Local Technology, AI to Reduce Reliance on Foreign Arms
The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has called for increased investment in indigenous defence technology, local manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI) and strategic partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s national security and reduce dependence on foreign sources for critical defence capabilities.
Musa made the call on Wednesday at the maiden Defence Futures Summit 2026, themed *“Sovereign Digital Backbone and Defence Innovation,”* held at the Armed Forces Event and Multipurpose Centre, Asokoro, Abuja.
He described the summit as a landmark platform for advancing defence innovation, strengthening technological sovereignty and transforming Nigeria’s defence architecture to meet emerging security challenges.
The minister said that although information and communication technology, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies were still developing within Nigeria’s defence ecosystem, the country possessed the intellectual capacity, human resources and innovative potential to compete in the evolving global defence environment.
According to him, Nigeria must move beyond adopting foreign technologies to developing indigenous solutions that can shape the future of defence capabilities and strengthen national security.
He said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its emphasis on national security, innovation and self-reliance.
“The summit was conceived as one of the initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria’s security architecture and positioning the country to anticipate emerging threats rather than merely react to changes in the character of modern warfare,” Musa said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s defence strategy must extend beyond conventional military hardware to include the knowledge systems, digital infrastructure and technological capabilities required to support modern military operations.
The minister warned against continued dependence on external sources for critical defence technologies, calling for sustained investment in human capital development, local innovators, defence industries and research institutions.
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He also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in building a resilient domestic defence industrial base capable of translating Nigerian ingenuity into practical operational capabilities for the Armed Forces.
Musa expressed confidence that Nigeria had the talent, ambition and professional expertise required to advance defence innovation in line with international standards.
He pledged the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote indigenous capacity, encourage technological advancement and build a more resilient and self-reliant defence sector.
Earlier, the founder and convener of the summit, retired Colonel Felix Alaita, said the event highlighted the need for a comprehensive Defence Renewal Architecture linking national security priorities with industrial development, research institutions, private-sector expertise and the creative potential of young Nigerians.
Alaita explained that the initiative was designed to improve operational readiness, strengthen institutional accountability and promote the responsible adoption of technology in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
He identified four pillars of the proposed Defence Renewal Architecture: enhancing operational readiness and security response; strengthening the indigenous defence industry; investing in human capital and youth development; and promoting social understanding and the creative economy.
The retired colonel called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, industry, academia and international partners to accelerate indigenous technology development in manufacturing, energy, battery production and aircraft manufacturing, including through the expertise of the Air Force Institute of Technology.
He further emphasised the need to expand youth empowerment, technical skills development, job creation and knowledge sharing, urging participants to develop practical solutions to Nigeria’s security and technological challenges.
Alaita said the summit’s discussions should translate into concrete initiatives and measurable outcomes that would strengthen the country’s defence capabilities and industrial base.
The statement was signed by Enderline Chukwu, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence.
By PRNigeria
