Abuja, June 13, 2026 – Nigeria must accelerate the development of indigenous defence technologies and reduce its dependence on imported military equipment to effectively tackle evolving security threats, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has said.
Musa made the remarks at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 held in Abuja. The event focused on the theme: “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacity into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture.”
Speaking at the conference, the minister noted that recent conflicts around the world had highlighted the vulnerabilities countries face when they rely heavily on foreign sources for critical defence assets.
According to him, access to military hardware often becomes difficult during international crises, making local production an important component of national security planning.
He stressed that Nigeria possesses the talent, expertise and resources required to develop homegrown defence technologies capable of meeting the country’s operational needs.
Musa praised local manufacturers and innovators who have contributed to the production of military vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, surveillance equipment and other security-related technologies.
He called for greater patronage of locally produced defence equipment, describing it as a key step toward strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capacity and enhancing self-sufficiency in the security sector.
The minister also advocated increased investment in universities, research institutions and young innovators working on intelligence, surveillance and threat-detection solutions.
He observed that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, satellite imaging, biometric identification and predictive analytics are reshaping modern security operations across the globe.
According to him, Nigeria must embrace these innovations while ensuring their deployment aligns with national interests and existing legal frameworks.
Musa emphasised that safeguarding the nation is a shared responsibility that requires active collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, private organisations and local communities.
He pointed out that contemporary security threats—including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime and attacks on critical infrastructure—have become increasingly sophisticated and technology-driven.
The minister further noted that criminal groups often depend on local collaborators for intelligence, logistics and financial support, underscoring the importance of community participation in security efforts.
He urged citizens to provide useful information to security agencies and avoid any form of support for criminal elements operating within their communities.
Musa also advocated stronger public-private partnerships, saying private organisations could play significant roles in areas such as cybersecurity, surveillance, intelligence support, infrastructure protection and emergency response.
He, however, stressed that such collaborations should operate within clearly defined regulatory frameworks and complement the work of statutory security agencies.
To improve national security outcomes, the minister proposed enhanced legal frameworks for public-private cooperation, increased support for local defence production, expanded training programmes and the creation of secure information-sharing platforms.
He reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and combating threats such as terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and oil theft.
Musa maintained that military operations alone cannot address all security challenges, calling for a coordinated approach that involves government, the private sector and citizens alike.
Earlier, the convener of the conference, Mr Charles Awuzie, explained that the platform was created to bring together policymakers, defence institutions, business leaders, technology experts, investors and members of the public to explore practical strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.
Awuzie said the initiative had evolved from a focus on private security into a broader national forum dedicated to promoting dialogue on defence, innovation, security and public-private collaboration.
He announced plans to make the conference an annual event, noting that security remains a concern for every Nigerian regardless of profession, location or social status.
According to him, the platform is intended to complement ongoing government efforts by encouraging innovation, fostering partnerships and generating practical recommendations that can contribute to a more resilient and effective national security system.