Defence Minister Advocates Indigenous Technology Development to Strengthen National Security
Defence Minister Advocates Indigenous Technology Development to Strengthen National Security
Defence Minister Advocates Indigenous Technology Development to Strengthen National Security
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has stressed the need for Nigeria to strengthen its technological and industrial capabilities as a critical component of national security and long-term development.
Speaking at the Omniverse Africa 3.0 Summit in Lagos, the minister said Nigeria’s ability to tackle emerging security challenges and protect its national interests would depend not only on the strength of its armed forces but also on its capacity to develop and deploy advanced technologies.
According to him, national security in the 21st century extends beyond military strength and is increasingly influenced by innovation, digital infrastructure, industrial capacity and technological self-reliance.
He noted that the future requires Nigeria to move from being a consumer of defence technologies to becoming a producer, capable of developing indigenous solutions that address contemporary security threats.
The minister identified key areas requiring investment and development, including unmanned systems and robotics, surveillance technologies, cybersecurity, secure communications, artificial intelligence governance, data-driven decision-making, advanced manufacturing and other technologies essential for national sovereignty.
He explained that the Ministry of Defence is already taking steps to reposition the country’s defence architecture through reforms in doctrine, procurement processes and personnel training to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving security environment.
“Our objective is not only to secure the nation today but also to build the capabilities that will secure it tomorrow,” he said.
The minister added that the vision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the areas of industrialisation, innovation and national development.
He disclosed that ongoing reforms at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria are aimed at creating an ecosystem where defence investments drive economic growth, create high-technology jobs, strengthen university research and open new commercial opportunities.
As part of efforts to deepen collaboration and innovation, the minister also announced the launch of the Defence Futures Lab Pathway, a platform designed to bring together innovators, startups, researchers, industry leaders and members of the defence community to develop forward-looking solutions to national security challenges.
He emphasized that countries that will emerge as global leaders in the coming decades are those that invest not only in protecting their sovereignty but also in creating the technologies that sustain and strengthen it.
The minister called on stakeholders across government, academia, industry and the private sector to work together in building a resilient technological ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s security and economic aspirations.
Defence Minister Advocates Indigenous Technology Development to Strengthen National Security
