The Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni has said that the Federal Government of Nigeria is focused on investing in the blue economy, the unmanned spaces, climate change and modernization of Military equipment.
The Minister made this known when he delivered a goodwill message at the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference 2023 with the theme : “Crafting a Strategic Blueprint for Security and Prosperity” held on Wednesday 30t h August, 2023 at MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Badaru who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni said that the Nigerian Government through the Ministry of Defence has invested a lot in providing equipment and platforms to address piracy, adding that the International Maritime Bureau has declared that Nigeria has recorded less than two to five cases in the gulf of guinea.
He stated that, “the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria is responsible for maintaining peace and stability, not just within the black water, the brown water but deep down into the blue water”.
“Indeed the Government is redoubling its efforts by providing more platforms like ‘falcon eye’ as well as the deep blue project that the Government has invested huge resources to addressing insecurity in not just the Niger Delta but the entire coastal areas of Nigeria,” he reiterated.
According to the Honourable Minister, the Nigerian Navy has been active in the area of fighting against piracy which is an aspect that has brought down the economy of Nigeria particularly in the maritime area.
Speaking further, he said that unmanned spaces have significant impact on both Security and economy of the country, adding that Nigeria should invest in the unmaned spaces through agriculture in order to reduce insecurity in the country.
Speaking on Defence and innovation, the Minister said that the focus of the National Defence policy of Nigeria is on modernization of the Armed Forces, pointing out that Nigeria is developing her local Military Industrial Complex which would ensure innovation, employment as well as fight insecurity.
“With the deployment of modernized military equipment, we will begin to say goodbye to insecurity in Nigera”, he said.
In attendance were, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning – Abubakar Bagudu, Chief of Defence Staff, represented by rear Admiral M.K Onubebe, Chief of Army Staff represented by Maj. Gen. O.J Akpor , Chief of Administration, Army,
Inspector General of Police, represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Frank Mba,
His Royal Highness Emir of Gumi, Justice Lawan H. Gummi,
Chief Adetunji Adeleye- Commander, Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun) among other dignitaries.
Victoria Agba-Attah
Director (Press & Public Relations)
30th August, 2023.
