ABUJA – (Federal Ministry of Science & Technology Report) – The Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu has stressed the need for a self-reliant military that would depend on locally manufactured equipment and be able to effectively confront the nation’s security challenges.
Ogbonnaya Onu also disclosed the need for the Armed Forces to be self-reliant is informed by the fact that no other nation would be willing to come to the country’s aid in time of need, stressing that Nigeria had experienced hostile response from other countries in the past when it needed their assistance.
The Minister revealed this when the Director of Transformation and Innovation in the Nigeria Army Headquarters paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja during the week. He further stated that the attainment of self-reliance by the military will boost the nation’s economy as well as create jobs for its teeming youths. He as well expressed delight with the Mine Resistant Ambush Proof (MRAP) armored vehicle codenamed: “Ezeogu Emura” developed by the Nigerian Army in its battle against insurgency.
“The Armored vehicle could be improved upon and exported to earn revenue for the country, hoping that Nigerians will soon be able to sell the equipment produced in Nigeria to other countries. The Nigerian Army is assured of the Ministry’s support towards enhancing its research and innovation endeavours. The Ministry is working hard to move the economy away from being dependent on commodities or resources to a knowledge – based one,” he espoused.
Speaking earlier, the Director of Transformation and Innovation in the Nigerian Army, Elvis Njoku (Maj. Gen) said that the Army will collaborate and seek further assistance from the Ministry for Research and Development on new innovations to help boost its capabilities. He added that the Army will continue to think out – of – the – box to help boost the morale of its personnel and keep up with the latest global practices on military operations.
