The Director of Civil-Military Relations at the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Ehimen Ejodame Gabkwet, has urged Nigeria to accelerate investment in indigenous defence technology, saying modern security challenges require homegrown solutions backed by innovation.
Gabkwet made the call on Tuesday at the First Daily National Dialogue on Security, organised as part of activities marking First Daily Media Network’s sixth anniversary, in Abuja.
He said the changing nature of global conflicts, including the increasing use of advanced technology and asymmetric warfare, underscores the need for Nigeria to strengthen its local defence manufacturing capacity.
“Let us begin to seek equipment that we can produce ourselves. That is better for us as a nation,” he said.
According to him, while the Federal Government has continued to strengthen the Armed Forces through the acquisition of fighter aircraft and other military platforms, long-term national security will depend on Nigeria’s ability to develop and sustain its own defence capabilities.
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His remarks come as the Federal Government continues to modernise the Armed Forces through the procurement of new military hardware, including fighter aircraft, while also expanding support for the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria to boost local production of military equipment. The push for indigenous defence manufacturing has gained renewed attention amid evolving security threats and rising global competition for military technology.
Gabkwet also urged greater collaboration between government, the military, researchers and Nigeria’s growing technology sector, saying innovation would play a critical role in strengthening the country’s defence architecture.
He maintained that building local capacity would not only improve national security but also reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and enhance the country’s preparedness for emerging security threats.