Defence Minister Calls for Increased Investment in Indigenous Defence Technology
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has called for increased investment in indigenous defence technology, local manufacturing, artificial intelligence and strategic partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s national security and reduce dependence on foreign sources for critical defence capabilities.
Musa made the call at the maiden edition of the Defence Futures Summit 2026, themed “Sovereign Digital Backbone and Defence Innovation,” held on October 14, 2026, at the Armed Forces Event and Multipurpose Centre, Asokoro, Abuja.
The minister described the summit as a landmark platform for advancing defence innovation, strengthening technological sovereignty and transforming Nigeria’s defence architecture.
He noted 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, skilled workforce and innovative potential to compete in the evolving global defence environment.
According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration’s commitment to strengthening national security, innovation and self-reliance.
He said the summit was conceived as part of efforts to transform Nigeria’s security architecture and enable the country to anticipate emerging threats rather than merely react to changes in modern warfare.
Musa 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.
He warned against continued dependence on foreign sources for critical defence technologies, emphasising the need for sustained investment in human capacity development, local innovators, defence industries and research institutions.
The minister also highlighted the importance of public-private sector collaboration in building a resilient defence industrial base capable of translating Nigerian ingenuity into practical capabilities for the Armed Forces.
He expressed confidence in the country’s talent, ambition and professional expertise, assuring participants of the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote indigenous capacity, technological innovation and a more self-reliant defence sector.
Earlier, the Founder and Convener of the Defence Futures Summit, retired Colonel Felix Alaita, said the summit underscored 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.
He 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.
Alaita identified four pillars of the 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.
He called for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia and international partners to advance indigenous technology in manufacturing, energy, battery development and aircraft production, including through the expertise of the Air Force Institute of Technology.
The retired colonel further emphasised the importance of youth empowerment, skills development, job creation and knowledge sharing. He urged participants to develop practical solutions to the country’s security challenges and ensure that discussions at the summit translated into concrete actions and measurable outcomes.
Defence Minister Calls for Increased Investment in Indigenous Defence Technology