The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi has assured that the Potentials of the 4th Industrial Technology Revolution will be utilized in advancing the purposefulness and capability of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Gen. Magashi gave the assurance in a paper titled: “Defence Management in the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Nigeria: Ministry of Defence in Perspective, delivered to participants of Course 29 at the National Defence College Abuja.
He disclosed that government has demonstrated commitment to modernizing the Nigerian Armed Forces adding that the setting in motion of the reform process of the Ministry of Defence and the military is done in that direction.
The Minister noted that the need to formulate and implement a comprehensive security sector reform program that encompasses the entire Defence Management spectrum including leadership, oversight and administration in order to overcome the challenges of Defence management cannot be overemphasized.
He stressed that the ministry and the Nigerian Armed Forces have made tremendous achievements in safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation.
“Despite challenges militating against Defence management, the ministry and its agencies have continued to increase operational capacity in the conduct of Internal Operation leading to dismantling of Boko Haram terrorists. These are in addition to increased partnership with foreign militaries, procurement of modern equipment and the implementation of Group Life Assurance Policy for the Armed Forces as well as the revitalization of the Public Private Partnership Initiative to bolster the re equipping of the Armed Forces”, he added.
The Defence Minister decried the absence of Military Industrial Complex, which is impacting negatively on military expenditure and undermining the effectiveness of the ministry in discharging constitutional responsibilities.
Gen Magashi further remarked that poor involvement of Civil Society in monitoring Defence activities affects Defence management in Nigeria.
The minister who was represented by the Special Adviser, Technical, Major General Tijjani Jubrin (Rtd) described defence as an aspect of National Security that relates to the ability of a nation to protect its core values, national interest and wellbeing of its citizens.
He pointed out that defence function ensures that a state and its people are ultimately safeguarded and its existence is not compromised adding that it consumes huge resources, including human life.
The Commandant of the National Defence College Rear Admiral OB Daji while commending the presentation, advised the Course 29 Participants to note the content of the paper so as to be acquainted with the workings of the Nigeria’s Defence Sector as well for Reference purposes.
Admiral Daji described the paper as rich, comprehensive and can be added to the Libraries.
Victoria Agba-Attah
Director PPR
