Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. (retd.) Christopher Musa, has called for increased local production of military equipment and ammunition, blaming the country’s dependence on foreign suppliers for delays in addressing persistent security challenges.
Musa said Nigeria had intensified efforts to combat insecurity but stressed that lasting solutions would require stronger institutions, research-driven policies, technological advancement and a better understanding of the factors driving conflicts.
The minister spoke on Friday at the inauguration of the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Security Management, named the “CG Musa Security Management Hub”, at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
He identified limited access to essential military equipment as one of the factors prolonging insecurity, noting that Nigeria sometimes struggles to purchase weapons and ammunition even when funds are available.
“Solving Nigeria’s insecurity requires informed policies, credible institutions, technological innovation and a comprehensive understanding of the human dimensions of conflict.
“The academia occupies a strategic place in our national security management architecture. The battlefield may reveal the immediate manifestations of insecurity, but the university provides the intellectual environment to interrogate its causes, evaluate responses and develop sustainable solutions.”
Musa said the country must strengthen its defence manufacturing capacity by exposing Nigerian producers to international manufacturers to improve local production.
“Nigeria needs to begin to produce what she needs to end insecurity.
Our intention is to expose our local producers to foreign and international manufacturers so that we can continue to produce what we need or what we rely on Why insecurity continues to be prolonged is that we do not produce all we need. Most times, when we go to buy, even with cash at hand, you can’t get them off the shelves.
“And now, with the wars going on in Ukraine, Russia and the Strait of Hormuz, it has become extremely difficult to buy even ammunition to use, not to talk of Armoured Personnel Carriers.
“Since our local manufacturers are doing their best, we need to escalate to an international level. The security challenges confronting our nation have become increasingly complex, interconnected and multidimensional.
The threats we face continue to test our national resilience. We will continue to encourage collaboration between defence institutions and centres of learning to ensure that our security policies and operational approaches benefit from research, innovation and evidence-based analysis.”
He also disclosed that security operations had been strengthened, with gradual improvements being recorded, while urging citizens to contribute to efforts to protect the country.
Musa added, “We have stepped up our game in the field and are gradually improving the security situation. It is also important that everybody plays a part because it is a whole-of-nation approach. If you see something, say something.”
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The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, commended the minister for supporting the establishment of the facility, expressing confidence that it would serve present and future generations.
Adebowale said the institution intended to develop the centre into a leading destination for security research across Africa.
We hope and believe that this hub serves as the nexus for multidisciplinary research and a convening ground for policymakers and academics. The facility must not become a museum of security artefacts but must be used to generate data that will guide the Ministry of Defence and our security agents,” he said.
Similarly, the centre’s lead researcher and technical officer, Prof. Isaac Albert, appreciated Musa for keeping his commitment to the university and called for increased funding for security research and projects capable of shaping effective policies.
Albert also encouraged security agencies to utilise the centre’s expertise in developing and implementing appropriate security strategies.
“It is also important for security agencies to patronise the centre and engage with its resource persons towards formulating and implementing the right security policies,” Albert said.
Earlier, the Director of the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Security Management, Prof. Benjamin Aluko, acknowledged the minister’s contribution towards providing the building.
Aluko also encouraged Nigerians interested in the field to apply for the university’s MSc and PhD programmes in Security Management, which offer access to experienced academics and specialists.