Emmanuel Daudu
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has reaffirmed the government’s determination to enhance the country’s military capabilities through cutting-edge technology and innovation.
Speaking at the Defence Research and Development Bureau’s (DRDB) Annual Seminar and Exhibition in Abuja, the Minister called for greater synergy within Nigeria’s defence sector to foster a Military Industrial Complex capable of responding to evolving security threats.
At the event, themed “Enhancing Synergy in R&D Towards a Robust Military Industrial Complex in Nigeria,” Badaru emphasized that collaboration and local production are key to Nigeria’s defence strategy.
He noted that the Federal Government is committed to advancing Research and Development (R&D) in the defence sector, which is seen as vital in addressing global and regional security challenges.
“Our national security strategy acknowledges the vital role of innovation in fostering a secured and prosperous nation,” the Minister said. “To effectively respond to today’s dynamic threats, we must integrate a Military Industrial Complex that promotes self-reliance and local production of military equipment.”
Badaru highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and stressed the importance of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill of 2023 in advancing Nigeria’s defence production capabilities.
The seminar aimed to promote collaboration among key stakeholders in the defence sector, from government agencies to private industry partners. According to Badaru, such partnerships are essential for building a robust military capable of withstanding new threats. “It is through collaboration and cooperation that we can harness cutting-edge technologies and stay ahead of emerging threats,” he said.
Badaru underscored the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to policies that encourage private sector participation and capacity building in defence research, adding that the development of indigenous military technology is crucial to Nigeria’s self-reliance.
This renewed focus on innovation, collaboration, and local production comes at a time when Nigeria faces a complex security landscape, from insurgencies in the North East to growing regional instability in the Sahel.
As the country navigates these challenges, leveraging homegrown technology and fostering a self-sufficient military industrial base are expected to play a pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s future.
By continuing to support DRDB’s initiatives, Badaru said the Federal Government remains resolute in its efforts to develop indigenous military technology, ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of defence innovation. “Together, we will build a self-reliant nation with a strong defence posture,” he concluded.
This strategic push aligns with the broader goals of the Ministry of Defence, which is actively working to boost Nigeria’s security infrastructure while reducing dependence on foreign military imports. With a combination of local expertise and global best practices, Nigeria’s military is positioning itself to take on emerging security challenges with a renewed sense of purpose.
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