A brewing revolution is taking place in Nigeria‘s Federal Ministry of Defence, and at the forefront of this new thinking is the permanent secretary, who is driving the place a frightening distance from the usual way government business was conducted. In what seems like a new shift, the man is uprooting bureaucratic bottlenecks with cutting-edge practices akin to the private sector, where efficiency defines input.
The first trace of the not-business-as-usual governance posture was the drive to build a world-class military hospital – a rival prototype of the Military Hospital in the USA. When completed, the hospital will sit in a comfortable realm of excellent service delivery, providing cutting-edge medical solutions to serving and retired military personnel, including their families, as well as serving as a converging home for other Nigerians in need of medical panacea.
With everything in place, backed, of course, by political will, Nigeria will have its indigenous military industrial complex through the Defence Industries Corporation, where Nigerians will be engaged in the production of arms and ammunition, geared not just to boost the economy but also to strengthen Nigeria‘s capacity to produce its own arms and ammunition.
It is sad that in this era, we are still talking about this model when, in reality, Nigeria ought to have been at the forefront of this revolution, given the nation‘s size, population, and choking security challenges that continue to threaten the sovereignty of the nation. The time to build our indigenous military-industrial complex and invest in the local capacity to manufacture armaments is now.
Although Nigeria is often hailed as the giant of Africa due to its significant economic power, the true meaning and authenticity of this title would be further realized if the country were able to manufacture its own military hardware and software. It is not inconceivable to envision Nigeria becoming the foremost commercial hub for arms and ammunition on the African continent. This elevated status would not only bolster the nation‘s military capabilities but also contribute to the strengthening of the entire region.
By establishing a robust and self-sustaining military-industrial complex, Nigeria would gain control over its defense needs and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. The ability to design, produce, and maintain its own military equipment would instill a sense of pride and self-reliance among its citizens. Moreover, it would significantly enhance the nation‘s security posture, enabling Nigeria to effectively address internal and external threats.
Becoming a major player in arms manufacturing would undoubtedly attract foreign investment, as well as stimulate job creation and economic growth. The establishment of cutting-edge research and development facilities, production lines, and training centers would require a skilled workforce, leading to employment opportunities for the Nigerian people. The multiplier effect would be felt throughout the economy, with increased demand for raw materials, auxiliary industries, and supporting services.
In addition to the economic advantages, Nigeria‘s pursuit of self-sufficiency in arms production would contribute to regional stability. By supplying neighboring countries with locally manufactured military equipment, Nigeria could foster cooperation and forge stronger defense alliances. This would promote a collective security framework, where nations in the region actively collaborate to address shared challenges and maintain peace.
While this dream may seem overly ambitious, it is indeed a possibility, considering the extensive experience of the technocrat overseeing the Ministry of Defence. Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, has amassed a wealth of experience over the years, fearlessly venturing where others hesitate and achieving success where others have failed. Despite the commonly held belief that government has no place in business, Kana‘s track record speaks of a radical individual who has never faltered in any endeavor. As a trailblazer, he fearlessly challenges traditions and dismantles barriers.
Dr. Kana consistently reminds the business community that the development of the military-industrial complex will not be solely the responsibility of the government. He emphasizes that the federal government is open to partnering with both local and international investors to bring this dream to fruition. This collaborative approach is seen as the most viable means to revitalize Nigeria‘s stagnant industrial military complex. If properly designed and executed, Nigeria would significantly reduce its reliance on foreign armaments, thus moving towards the establishment of a sustainable industrial complex for both domestic use and export.
While all attention is focused on the Ministry of Defence to transform the vision of a military-industrial complex into a reality, it is crucial to emphasize that the development of such a robust complex must be guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and adherence to international norms and standards. Nigeria must prioritize ethical practices, responsible arms exports, and stringent control measures to prevent any misuse or proliferation of weapons.
