By DECAN
The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has called for increased adoption of artificial intelligence and unmanned systems to counter evolving security threats.
Musa made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a policy colloquium organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with Saban Media Services.
The colloquium was themed: “Securing the Sovereign Frontier: Strategic Defence Architecture, Emerging Technologies and Democratic Integrity in Nigeria.”
He said the changing nature of contemporary threats required Nigeria to continually reassess its defence capabilities and embrace emerging technologies.
The minister identified artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, surveillance and reconnaissance, and cyber capabilities as technologies reshaping modern military operations.
“Our defence architecture must remain agile and forward-looking, with the capacity to anticipate threats, respond decisively and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity,” he said.
Musa said technology was increasingly becoming a decisive factor in defence and national security, altering military operations and the strategic environment.
He urged Nigeria to remain at the forefront of technological developments by investing in relevant technologies and strengthening human capacity.
He also stressed the need to develop appropriate doctrines and institutions capable of integrating emerging technologies into the nation’s defence architecture.
“This is essential to maintaining operational advantage and preparing the Armed Forces for future security challenges,” he said.
The minister said the adoption of emerging technologies would strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to anticipate threats and respond decisively.
Earlier, Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, said the colloquium was designed to bridge defence strategy, technology and public policy.
She said the event brought together defence strategists, policymakers, technologists, civil society leaders, academics, media practitioners and key government actors.
“We are not assembled here merely to catalogue challenges, but to forge actionable pathways, inform public policy and construct a practical blueprint for national resilience,” she said.