By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.) has called for stronger collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to harness innovation and technological advancement in addressing Nigeria’s pressing security and development challenges.
General Musa (Rtd.) made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, to his office at Ship House in Abuja.
The meeting focused on forging a stronger partnership between the Ministry of Defence and agencies under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology in order to deepen collaboration in research, innovation and technological development in support of Nigeria’s security architecture.
Speaking during the meeting, the Defence Minister emphasized the need for Nigeria to prioritize indigenous technological development and self-financing innovation. According to him, the country must invest more in local production and research in order to address national challenges while reducing reliance on foreign technologies.
General Musa also highlighted the critical importance of energy to military operations, noting that several military barracks across the country are currently grappling with electricity challenges. He therefore called for closer collaboration with agencies under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, particularly the Energy Commission of Nigeria, to explore sustainable energy solutions capable of providing reliable power to military facilities and barracks.
“Stable energy supply is essential for operational efficiency, improved living conditions for personnel, and the effective functioning of military institutions,” he said, adding that collaboration with the energy sector would help the Ministry of Defence develop alternative and sustainable power solutions for barracks and other defence establishments.
The Defence Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to deepening collaboration with the science and technology community in key areas including research, innovation, capacity building and energy development aimed at strengthening national security and supporting the Armed Forces.
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Udeh, expressed readiness of agencies under his supervision to partner with the Ministry of Defence in line with its strategic vision. He noted that the agencies possess significant technological and research capacity that could support defence-related innovations.
Accompanying the minister on the visit were the Director-Generals of the National Space Research and Development Agency, the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, and the Energy Commission of Nigeria, who each highlighted products and research capabilities that could support a productive partnership with the Ministry of Defence.
Both ministers agreed that stronger institutional collaboration would enable Nigeria to harness its scientific potential more effectively and translate research outcomes into practical solutions that support national development and strengthen the country’s security framework.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, directors from both ministries and other principal officers.
