The Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Abiodun Lagbaja has stated that poor power supply is the major hindrance to viable industrialization in Nigeria.
Lt.Gen.Lagbaja said following the executive order number 5 signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Army have taking efforts to revitalize Defense Industry Cooperation of Nigeria (DICON) which is witnessing some patronage.
The Army Chief who spoke via zoom on Tuesday, in continuation of the lecture series on ‘Defense and Security’ week for the participants of the Senior Executive Course 45 of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
Sharing his thoughts in a paper titled, “Industrialization, energy security and climate change: The role of the Nigeria Army” Lt.Gen.Lagbaja acknowledged that providing enabling environment for the three variables for industrialization under energy and climate change is very key.
“Industrialization, energy security and climate change are interconnected variables, therefore, it requires integrated approaches among various stakeholders which in turn contributes to National development.”
He pinpoint some of the challenges mitigating against smooth industrialization which includes; legal framework, institutional framework, lack of military-industrial complex, human capital development, mission creep, perception and attitude of Nigerians towards military and budgetary constraint.
The Army Chief also proffered implementation strategies to enhance a better and effective industrialization in Nigeria including legal backing and budgetary allocation, adequate planning, development of a viable military-industrial complex, change in perception and attitude of Nigerians, establishment of new units and formations/human capacity development as well as improvement of power generation in the country.
In another development, Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla represented by Navy secretary, Rear Admiral Istifanus Albara noted that the Defense headquarters, in liaison with ministry of Defense should establish its innovation initiative to promote the development of the military industrial complex in Nigeria.
“Develop a comprehensive joint green energy and climate change strategy for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to enhance further contribution to industrialization, energy security and combating climate change.”
