Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has called for the development of homegrown technology to support the military in combating all forms of security threats.
He said reliance on foreign technology limits the potential of the Nigerian Army to tackle insecurity.
The Army Chief stated this at a seminar organised by the Department of Transformation and Innovation Army, with the theme “Leveraging Home-grown Technological Solutions in Support of Nigerian Army Operations.“
Speaking at the seminar held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, General Oluyede, who was represented by the Commander, Nigeria Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, said that investments and businesses have been hampered by security challenges, and despite efforts to combat the threats, elements of insecurity persist while calling for a review of strategies and approaches.
He is therefore advocating for the embracing of homegrown technological solutions to foster a sense of ownership and pride in the nation’s capacity to secure itself.
“The complexity and evolving nature of these threats require a new approach, one that is adaptive, innovative, and homegrown. Homegrown technology is not just a tool. It is a declaration of technological independence in the fight against insecurity.
“In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, leveraging domestic cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions cannot be overemphasised.”
He therefore called for collaboration for homegrown technological solutions from the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Defence Space Administration (DSA), and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
He noted that the seminar was very apt and timely as it provides platforms for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and forward-thinking dialogue between the Nigerian Army and indigenous technology service providers.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Army, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, represented by his senior legislative aide, Major General Abubakar Adamu (Rtd), said while everything is currently being technology-driven, the Army cannot rely on any foreigner to achieve its purpose.
He called for consistency and sustainability of homegrown solutions.
He appealed to the Nigerian Army to expand its scope and bring on board research institutions to build capacity to manage the technologies locally developed.
The Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT Mrs. Nkechi Egerton Idehen, reiterated the need for homegrown technology for the military to ensure independence and control of the technology.
This, she said, would help reduce pressure on the nation’s foreign exchange by pricing in Naira instead of dollars and help it control the security of the data.
The chief host is Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General Zakari Abubakar. He said the seminar aims to harness the potential of indigenous technological solutions to enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational efficiency.
The seminar also featured a paper presentation and panel discussion and drew participants from various relevant fields.
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