Defence minister seeks stronger collaboration with science, innovation ministry

The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has called for stronger collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to drive innovation and develop home-grown technological solutions to national security challenges.

Musa made the call when he received the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, on a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Defence, Abuja.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Queenet Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, for the Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry on Thursday in Abuja.

The minister said the meeting was aimed at forging stronger partnerships between the defence sector and agencies under the science and technology ministry to enhance innovation, research and technological advancement in support of Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to him, Nigeria must prioritise indigenous technological development and self-financing innovation to address national challenges and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.

He also stressed the importance of reliable energy supply for military operations, noting that many barracks across the country were faced with electricity challenges.

He therefore called for closer collaboration with agencies under the ministry, particularly the Energy Commission of Nigeria, to explore sustainable energy solutions for military facilities.

“Stable energy supply is essential for operational efficiency, improved living conditions for personnel and the effective functioning of military institutions,” he said.

The minister added that partnership with the energy sector would enable the ministry develop alternative and sustainable power solutions for barracks and other defence establishments.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the science and technology community in the areas of research, innovation, capacity building and energy development to strengthen national security and support the Armed Forces.

Earlier, Udeh said agencies under his ministry were ready to partner with the defence ministry in line with its vision, particularly in areas of technological research and development.

He noted that the agencies, including the National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi and the Energy Commission of Nigeria, possessed innovations and research products that could support defence operations and national development.

Both ministers agreed that stronger institutional partnerships would help harness Nigeria’s scientific potential and translate research outcomes into practical solutions for national development and security.

Officials from both ministries, including the permanent secretary and other senior officers, were present at the meeting.