By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Towards developing a workable synergy amongst Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs), the Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.) OFR has met with his counterpart , the Honourable Minister of Innovation , Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN to forge a stronger partnership between MDAs in solving the nation’s pressing challenges.
He made this statement during a courtesy visit of the Honorable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology to his office, at Ship house, Abuja.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the defence sector and agencies under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology in order to enhance innovation, research, and technological advancement in support of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The Minister emphasized the importance of self-financing innovation and indigenous technological development, noting that Nigeria must prioritize local production and research to address national challenges and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.
He also highlighted the critical role of energy in defence operations, noting that many military barracks across the country currently face significant electricity challenges and therefore called for stronger collaboration with agencies under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, particularly the Energy Commission of Nigeria, to explore sustainable energy solutions that can provide reliable power to military facilities and barracks.
In his words “stable energy supply is essential for operational efficiency, improved living conditions for personnel, and the effective functioning of military institutions”.added that partnership with the energy sector would help the Ministry of Defence develop alternative and sustainable power solutions for barracks and other defence establishments.
General Musa reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to deepening collaboration with the science and technology community in areas of research, innovation, capacity building, and energy development that will strengthen national security and support the Armed Forces.
Earlier in his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, who came with three of the Director-Generals of the Agencies under his Ministry, namely, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) and Energy Commission of Nigeria highlighted that the Agencies under his supervision are much eager and ready to partner and work in line with the vision of the Ministry of Defence, considering their technological advancement in research. Each of the Director-General spoke extensively on the products they can offer in partnership with the Ministry of Defence.
Both Ministers agreed that stronger institutional partnerships will help harness Nigeria’s scientific potentials and translate research outcomes into practical solutions that support national development and security.
Present at the event were; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Directors from both Ministries, Principal Officers in the Ministry.
