In a bid to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign sources for critical defence capabilities, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), has emphasised the need for increased investment in indigenous defence technology, local manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and strategic partnerships. This call was made at the maiden edition of the Defence Futures Summit, held recently. According to the Daily Post Nigeria, the Minister believes that these investments will not only strengthen the nation’s security but also promote local manufacturing. The Minister’s call aligns with the government’s drive to leverage technology for national security. However, it is unclear how much of this investment will come from the government or the private sector. It is also worth noting that similar calls for increased investment in local technology have been made in other sectors, such as agriculture and information communication technology (ICT). For instance, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Musa Bello, recently sought German investment in Abuja’s ICT and agriculture sectors. As Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, the government’s push for local technology investment could be a significant step towards self-reliance.
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