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Copyright @2026. The Nigerian Army

In a renewed effort to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and advance technological capacity within the defence sector, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.) OFR, held a high-level meeting with the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN, during a courtesy visit at Ship House, Abuja.

The engagement underscored the importance of developing effective synergy among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to address Nigeria’s evolving security and development challenges. Central to the discussions was the need to deepen collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and agencies under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology in order to enhance research, innovation and technological advancement in support of the country’s security architecture.

Gen. Musa emphasised the strategic importance of indigenous technological development, noting that Nigeria must prioritise local research and production capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign technologies. He highlighted that self-sustaining innovation ecosystems would play a critical role in strengthening national resilience and improving the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

A key area of focus during the meeting was energy security within military infrastructure. The Defence Minister pointed out that several military barracks across the country continue to face significant electricity challenges, which directly impact operational efficiency and personnel welfare. He therefore called for closer collaboration with relevant agencies, particularly the Energy Commission of Nigeria, to develop sustainable and reliable energy solutions for defence facilities.

“Stable energy supply is essential for operational efficiency, improved living conditions for personnel, and the effective functioning of military institutions,” he stated, adding that partnerships with the energy sector would enable the Ministry to implement alternative and sustainable power solutions across barracks and other defence establishments.

Gen. Musa further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the science and technology community in areas including research, innovation, capacity building and energy development, all of which are critical to enhancing national security.

In his remarks, Dr. Udeh highlighted the readiness of agencies under his Ministry to support the Defence Ministry’s vision through advanced research and technological solutions. Accompanied by the Director-Generals of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), and the Energy Commission of Nigeria, he noted that these institutions possess significant capabilities that can be leveraged to support defence-related innovation.

The Director-Generals provided detailed briefings on their respective areas of expertise and outlined potential avenues for collaboration with the Armed Forces, particularly in the fields of space technology, industrial research and sustainable energy.

Both Ministers agreed that stronger institutional partnerships would be instrumental in harnessing Nigeria’s scientific potential and translating research outputs into practical solutions that support national development and security objectives.

The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, senior directors from both Ministries, and other principal officers.

Copyright @2026. The Nigerian Ministry of Defence