Defence Minister Calls for Greater Investment in Nigerian Technology, Local Manufacturing and AI to Strengthen National Security

Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), has called for greater investment in local technology, artificial intelligence and manufacturing to strengthen national security and reduce the country's dependence on foreign defence capabilities.

Musa made the call on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during the maiden Defence Futures Summit 2026 held at the Armed Forces Event and Multipurpose Centre in Asokoro, Abuja.

The summit was organised under the theme "Sovereign Digital Backbone and Defence Innovation". It brought attention to the role of technology, research and partnerships in improving Nigeria's ability to respond to security challenges.

In a statement, Enderline Chukwu, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, said the minister described the summit as an important platform for promoting innovation and strengthening Nigeria's technological independence.

Minister Calls for Investment in Local Defence Technology

Musa said Nigeria had the intellectual capacity, skilled workforce and innovative potential needed to compete in the changing global defence environment.

He acknowledged that information and communication technology, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies were still developing within the country's defence sector.

However, he maintained that Nigeria could build stronger capabilities by investing in local experts, research institutions and industries involved in developing defence solutions.

The minister said the country should not remain dependent on foreign suppliers for critical defence technologies. He called for sustained investment in training, research and local manufacturing to help develop solutions suited to Nigeria's security needs.

According to Musa, modern military operations require more than conventional weapons and equipment. They also depend on reliable digital systems, technical knowledge and advanced infrastructure.

He added that the initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to strengthen national security, innovation and self-reliance.

Private Sector Partnership Seen as Important

The defence minister also emphasised the importance of working with private companies to develop Nigeria's defence industry.

He said cooperation between government institutions, businesses and researchers could help turn local ideas into practical technologies for the armed forces.

Musa expressed confidence that Nigerians had the skills and professional knowledge required to support defence innovation in line with international standards.

He pledged the ministry's commitment to initiatives that encourage local innovation, develop technical capacity and create a more resilient defence sector.

Summit Highlights Four Areas for Defence Renewal

Earlier, retired Colonel Felix Alaita, founder and convener of the summit, called for a comprehensive Defence Renewal Architecture connecting national security priorities with industrial development, academic research and private-sector expertise.

Alaita said the initiative was designed to improve military readiness, strengthen accountability and promote the responsible use of technology in addressing Nigeria's changing security challenges.

He identified four key areas: improving operational readiness and security response, strengthening local defence industries, investing in human capital and youth development, and promoting social understanding and the creative economy.

He also called for closer cooperation among government agencies, universities, industries and international partners.

Alaita highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, energy, battery development and aircraft production, including the potential contribution of the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Youth Skills and Job Creation Also Emphasised

The summit convener said young Nigerians should have opportunities to gain technical skills, participate in innovation and contribute to the country's industrial development.

He urged participants to develop practical proposals that could be implemented and measured beyond the discussions at the summit.

The calls for investment reflect a wider focus on developing local expertise and reducing reliance on external suppliers in critical sectors.

For Nigeria, building a stronger domestic defence industry would require sustained funding, research, skilled workers and effective cooperation between public institutions and private businesses.

The summit placed these issues at the centre of discussions on how technology and local innovation could support national security and the country's long-term industrial development.