Speaking at the 12th National Security Seminar of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in Abuja, Magashi urged the rapid implementation of government policies towards the technological development of the security sector.
|
| Retired Major General Bashir Magashi |
He applauded the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria for its recent strides in manufacturing drones, light weapons, vehicles and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.
The minister said the armed forces and various security agencies had established research and development centres and cyber security outfits that had come up with worthy initiatives and products.
Magashi stressed that Nigeria could not afford to maintain the status quo when warfare had transformed at a fast pace, impacting the means and methods of warfare. “Improved situational awareness is often made possible by technology. It is time to demystify the forests being a haven for criminals.
It is time to dominate cyberspace and deny cybercriminals of its illegal use without detection and arrests. It is also time we occupy our rightful place in regional and global peace and security architecture through the application of technology in our defence and security sectors,” he said.
The National Security Adviser retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, represented by Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Ndagi said continuous technological advancements in warfare had led to highly improved capabilities in the 21st century. He urged AANDEC to continue in its efforts to conduct various dimensions of research into contemporary national security issues and proffer actionable recommendations.
Mr Ade Ogundeyin, the Chief Executive Officer of Proforce, in his lecture titled, “The Role of the Private Sector in Defence Technology and Innovation Financing in Nigeria,” urged the government to devote its energy to building local capacity in defence production.
He said a concerted effort must be made to establish a military-industrial complex and strengthen DICON to be able to produce the needed military hardware and software.
Ogundeyin said that technologies like drones were needed in modern warfare and that the government must be decisive in developing a technologically driven military-industrial complex.