Odita Sunday 
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has called for stronger collaboration among government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to address Nigeria’s security and development challenges.
Musa made the call on Thursday in Abuja when he received the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, during a courtesy visit to his office at Ship House.
A statement issued by the Chief Information Officer, Queenet Iheoma-Hart, for the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence said the meeting centred on forging stronger partnerships between the defence sector and agencies under the science and technology ministry.
According to the statement, the collaboration is aimed at boosting innovation, research and technological advancement to support Nigeria’s security architecture.
Musa stressed the importance of indigenous technological development, noting that Nigeria must invest more in local innovation and research to reduce reliance on foreign technologies.
The Defence Minister also drew attention to electricity challenges affecting military barracks nationwide.
He called for stronger cooperation with agencies such as the Energy Commission of Nigeria to develop sustainable energy solutions capable of providing reliable electricity for military facilities.
“Stable energy supply is essential for operational efficiency, improved living conditions for personnel and the effective functioning of military institutions,” he stated.
Musa added that collaboration with the energy sector would enable the Ministry of Defence to develop alternative power solutions for barracks and other defence establishments.
In his remarks, Udeh said agencies under his ministry were ready to partner with the defence sector in line with the Federal Government’s vision for technological advancement.
He arrived at the meeting with the heads of three agencies — the National Space Research and Development Agency, the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, and the Energy Commission of Nigeria.
The ministers agreed that stronger institutional partnerships would help harness Nigeria’s scientific potential and translate research into practical solutions for national development and security.
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