Defence and security experts have called for the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and other advanced technologies to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat insecurity.
The call dominated discussions at the NISECEXPO–DICON 2025 exhibition, where stakeholders from Africa, Europe, and the global defence industry gathered to explore future-focused solutions for national and regional security.
Retired Major-General Victor Ezugwu, former Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), said Nigeria must urgently leverage AI-driven systems and drone technology to address its complex security challenges.
He noted that these tools—which have already been integrated into parts of Nigeria’s defence architecture—would significantly enhance surveillance, response time, and operational effectiveness within the next two years.
General Ezugwu, who praised the organisers for bringing together experts from Israel, Ukraine and Europe, said the expo offered Nigeria an opportunity to merge local expertise with global best practices.
He urged DICON and other defence producers to translate lessons from the exhibition into real-world innovations, stressing that modern threats require advanced, technology-backed responses.
Reflecting on the progress at DICON, he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the long-awaited DICON Act into law, giving the corporation the legal and administrative strength to expand defence production.
He urged military leadership to focus on harnessing Nigeria’s natural resources and local capacity to produce unmanned aircraft and other modern defence systems domestically.
Also speaking, Professor Roberto Mugavero, President of the European Centre for Disaster Medicine, described the expo as a crucial platform for fostering international cooperation between defence industries and research institutions. He said linking private and public research with academia, emergency responders, and security agencies would allow nations to confront emerging threats more effectively.
Co-host of the event, Mr. Frank Ohwofa, reinforced the call for technological advancement, noting that the Nigerian Armed Forces are transitioning from conventional strategies to more scientific, technology-driven operations.
He explained that criminals and terrorists are increasingly sophisticated, making it essential for security agencies to adopt superior technological tools.
Mr. Ohwofa added that under the amended DICON Act, the defence corporation now has the legal framework to collaborate with private investors and accelerate the development of homegrown technologies.
He stressed that Nigeria must rely on its own expertise and innovation to build a resilient security system capable of addressing threats across the region.
The experts agreed that exhibitions like NISECEXPO play a vital role in connecting scientists, researchers, security professionals, and policymakers—ensuring that modern knowledge, artificial intelligence, and technology-driven solutions are fully integrated into Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
LV