The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has advocated development of home-grown technology to support military combat security threats.
The COAS who was represented by the Commander, Nigeria Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Adeleke Ayannuga stated that reliance on foreign technology limits the potential of the Nigerian Army to combat insecurity.
Lt-Gen Oluyede spoke at a one-day seminar organised by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation with the theme: “Leveraging Home-grown technological solutions in support of Nigerian Army operations,” in Abuja.
He stated that Nigeria has in recent years faced unprecedented security challenges arising from threats of terrorism, banditry, increasing urban crimes, and separatist agitations, adding that lives have been lost, families slaughtered, and communities uprooted following these threats.
The Army Chief stated that investments and businesses have been hampered, adding that despite the immense resources and efforts to combat these threats, elements of insecurity threat still persist, and called for a change of strategy.
He said, “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.
“By embracing these homegrown technological solutions, it will also foster a sense of ownership and pride in our capacity to secure our nation.
“In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, leveraging domestic cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions cannot be overemphasised.
“Therefore, relying solely on foreign technologies can limit our potential, hence the need to collaborate and develop our domestic capabilities in fighting insecurity in Nigeria,” Oluyede said.
He therefore called for collaboration for homegrown technological solutions from the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), Defense Space Administration (DSA) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
He said, “We believe that the collaboration will foster intelligence sharing, surveillance, and effective communication systems within the Nigerian Army operational environment”.
Oluyede 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 Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua represented by his Senior Legislative Aide on Military Matters, Major General Abubakar Adamu (Rtd) called for consistency and sustainability of homegrown solutions.
He said while everything is now technology-driven, the Army cannot rely on any foreigner to achieve its purpose.
“That is why the local content for this, as presented in this seminar, is very important and I want to tell you people, anything anybody can do, anywhere in the world, there’s thousand and one Nigerians that can do it,” he said.
He therefore, called on the Nigerian Army to expand its scope and bring on board research institutions to build capacity to manage the technologies locally developed.
“You know one of the biggest challenges we have is building capacity and partnership. We must build capacity and we must build capacity at all levels. What I mean by all levels, from the lower rank to the higher ranks, because in today’s world, you cannot be left alone when it comes to technology.
“And also, like I said, we must sustain it. Sustainability is very key. You cannot start providing a solution and then you abandon it along the line. So, we must be consistent. We must focus on the solutions we want to provide”.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NigComSat) Mrs Nkechi Idehen reiterated the need for homegrown technology for the military to ensure independence and control.
She said homegrown technology will also help reduce pressure on the nation’s foreign exchange by pricing in Naira instead of dollars.
The NigComSat boss added that nations have always sought for homegrown solutions so they could control the security of their data.
The Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General Zakari Abubakar who was the host, said the seminar aims to harness the potential of indigenous technological solutions to enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational efficiency.
