Abuja: A former Minister of Power, Prof. Bathlomew Nnaji, has commended the Nigerian military for demonstrating that Nigeria can achieve self-reliance in science, technology, and defence production. Nnaji gave the commendation at the public presentation of a book titled ‘We Can Do It – Towards Nigeria’s Self-Reliance in Science and Technology,’ written by retired Maj.-Gen. Nnaemeka Maduegbunam, a former Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nnaji highlighted that DICON remained critical to Nigeria’s technological and defence advancement. He noted that Maduegbunam had shown the ingenuity and brilliance within the military by reviving DICON during his tenure as Director-General. Nnaji emphasized the importance of developing indigenous defence capabilities to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported military hardware and address economic challenges.
Nnaji elaborated on the benefits of local production of defence equipment, stating it would help reduce costs, conserve foreign exchange, and strengthen Nigeria’s technological capacity. Drawing from his experience in the United States, he noted the American military’s collaboration with research institutions and private industries as a model Nigeria could adopt. He suggested enabling DICON to work closely with research institutions and indigenous private companies to develop and mass-produce defence equipment.
Nnaji also praised emerging Nigerian companies involved in drone production, advocating for partnerships between these firms and DICON to accelerate indigenous defence manufacturing. He called for empowering DICON to identify military technological needs, develop prototypes, and collaborate with civilian industries for mass production.
Expressing optimism, Nnaji believed that Nigeria could achieve greater self-reliance in science, technology, and defence production through sustained collaborations. He congratulated Maduegbunam for documenting his experiences and ideas in his book, viewing the publication as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s quest for technological self-reliance.
Nnaji urged dignitaries at the event to pay attention to the ideas presented in the book. Dr. Emeka Nwosu, a veteran journalist, reviewed the 383-page book, describing it as a valuable literary work celebrating resilience, patriotism, and Nigeria’s technological potential. Nwosu noted that the book chronicles Maduegbunam’s early life, peacekeeping efforts, and his transformative role as DICON’s Director-General.
According to Nwosu, Maduegbunam’s prompt response to then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, “We can do it sir,” earned him presidential backing to revive DICON. Under Maduegbunam’s leadership, a significant ammunition contract was delivered, factory lines were revived, and the Nigerian-made AK-47 rifle was produced. Nwosu recommended the book for students, the military, policymakers, the scientific community, and the general public, describing it as rich, well-researched, and informative.