The Nigerian Army has convened a high-level seminar on emerging technologies to promote indigenous defence innovation and strengthen technological self-reliance in military operations.
The seminar, themed “Indigenous Defence Innovation and the Future of Land Warfare,” opened on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, at the Nigerian Army War College, bringing together military commanders, researchers, technology experts and academics.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, the Director General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major General Olusegun Abai, delivered the keynote address, stressing the need for the Army to develop its technological capabilities rather than depend solely on foreign systems.
Major General Abai said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s force structure, supported by the Nigerian Government, must be accompanied by deliberate investments in indigenous innovation, digital integration, intelligence systems and continuous professional education.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General Peter Okoye, said modern battlefields were evolving faster than traditional military practices, warning that excessive dependence on foreign technology exposed the country to supply chain delays, high costs and equipment unsuitable for local terrain.
He noted that the Nigerian Army had considerable technical expertise among its officers, engineers and research partners, including Proforce, which could be harnessed and integrated into military operations.
The seminar features operational assessments, technical reviews and collaborative strategy sessions aimed at addressing capability gaps, strengthening partnerships with local research institutions and universities, and developing sustainable technological solutions for troops on the front lines.
