Defence, Innovation Ministries Strengthen Partnership to Advance Indigenous Technology, Energy Solutions for Military
By ThankGod Inalegwu
The Federal Ministry of Defence and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology have begun moves to deepen collaboration aimed at promoting indigenous technology, innovation, and sustainable energy solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
This development followed a meeting between the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, during a courtesy visit at the Defence Headquarters, Ship House in Abuja.
The meeting focused on fostering stronger collaboration between the defence sector and agencies under the innovation ministry to enhance research, innovation, and technological advancement in support of Nigeria’s national security framework.
Speaking during the meeting, Musa emphasized the need for self-financed innovation and indigenous technological development, stressing that Nigeria must prioritize local production and research to effectively address national challenges and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.
He also underscored the strategic importance of energy in defence operations, noting that several military barracks across the country currently face electricity challenges.
According to him, stronger collaboration with agencies under the innovation ministry—particularly the Energy Commission of Nigeria—would help provide sustainable and reliable energy solutions for military facilities and barracks.
“Stable energy supply is essential for operational efficiency, improved living conditions for personnel, and the effective functioning of military institutions,” Musa said, adding that partnerships within the energy sector would enable the Ministry of Defence to develop alternative and sustainable power solutions for defence establishments nationwide.
The defence minister reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the science and technology community in areas such as research, innovation, capacity building, and energy development to support the Armed Forces and enhance national security.
Earlier, Udeh, who led a delegation of heads of agencies under his ministry, expressed readiness to partner with the defence sector to advance research-driven solutions.
The delegation included the Director-Generals of the National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, and the Energy Commission of Nigeria.
The agency heads highlighted several technological innovations and research products that could be deployed in partnership with the defence sector to improve operational capacity and national security outcomes.
Both ministers agreed that stronger institutional collaboration among government agencies would help harness Nigeria’s scientific potential and translate research breakthroughs into practical solutions capable of addressing national development and security challenges