Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), has called for integrated defence posture, incorporating technology, supported by effective intelligence coordination, joint interoperability across the Armed Forces and other relevant security institutions to address the nation’s complex security challenges.

The Minister made the call on Thursday while declaring open the second “Policy Colloquium” jointly organised by the Ministry of Defence and Saban Media Services. The theme of the colloquium was “Securing The Sovereign Frontier: Strategic Defence Architecture, Emerging Technologies and Democratic Integrity in Nigeria.”

Musa said that technology is increasingly becoming a decisive factor in defence and national security, noting that rapid advances in artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, surveillance and reconnaissance, cyber capabilities and other emerging technologies are transforming military operations and altering the strategic environment.

“Nigeria must therefore remain at the forefront of these developments by investing in relevant technologies and strengthening the human, doctrinal and institutional capacity required to integrate them into our defence capabilities.

“This is essential to maintaining operational advantage and preparing the Armed Forces for future security challenges. The advancement of technology also underscores the strategic importance of strengthening Nigeria’s defence industrial base.”

He said the nation’s defence architecture must therefore remain agile and forward looking, with the capacity to anticipate threats, respond decisively and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and vital national interests.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen national security and provide the Armed Forces with the capabilities required to protect the nation.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s strategic direction recognizes that a secure and stable Nigeria is essential to the protection of her sovereignty, the preservation of democratic institutions and the advancement of national development.

“In line with this priority, the Ministry of Defence remains focused on strengthening defence capabilities, advancing military modernisation and ensuring that the Armed Forces are adequately positioned to respond to the demands of the security environment.”

The Minister said that Nigeria’s strategic frontier is increasingly shaped by security challenges that cut across the land, maritime, air and cyber domains.

He urged the Colloquium to generate practical perspectives and recommendations capable of strengthening Nigeria’s strategic defence posture and commended the organisers for convening the dialogue and for sustaining a platform that contributes to national security discourse.

“I look forward to the outcomes of the deliberations and their contribution to securing Nigeria’s strategic frontier and strengthening our capacity to meet the challenges ahead.”