The House of Representatives has passed the third reading of a bill for the establishment of a Defence Research and Development Bureau, DRDB advanced as part of measures to revolutionize the Nigeria’s military industrial capabilities.
Titled: a Bill for an Act to Establish the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) to Conduct and Coordinate Robust Research and Development in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, was sponsored by Babajimi Benson, a member from Lagos, who also chairs the House committee on Defence.
“The bill seeks to create a Bureau with the objectives to conduct and coordinate robust research and development in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN); coordinate the research and development efforts of the three services of the Nigerian Armed Forces; crystallize the results of scientific and technical research on defence items and equipment for public and private institutions; provides scientific technical information to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and allies amongst others.”
The bill also contains a provision seeking to have the Minister for Defence as chairman of the Governing Council, and those of Communication and Digital Economy and Science and Technology as members respectively.
“The composition of the Governing Council shall consist of the; Minister of Defence as Chairman; Minister of Science and Technology; Minister of Communication and Digital Economy; Chief of the Defence Staff; Chief of Army Staff; Chief of Naval Staff; Chief of Air Staff; Director-General of the Bureau; Deputy Director Coordination of the Bureau as Secretary.”
In his executive brief explaining the general principles, Mr. Benson said the bill is comprised of 5 Parts and 34 Sections, as well as a Schedule, which contains supplementary provisions relating to the Governing Council and other provisions for miscellaneous.
The bill to be send to the Senate for concurrence also made provision for appointment in the Bureau for other members of staff, in accordance with the provisions of section 16 of the Bill.
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