The Nigerian Army has sought a strategic partnership with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to train military personnel in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology and support the local production of drones for security operations.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, made the request during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Prof. Shuaibu Aliyu, at the Fund’s headquarters in Abuja.
Shaibu said developing indigenous expertise in drone design, production, operation and maintenance has become increasingly important as the military continues to confront terrorism, insurgency and banditry across the country.
According to the Chief of Army Staff, the proposed partnership would also help reduce the number of military personnel sent abroad for specialised training while building a pool of skilled professionals capable of supporting the development of indigenous UAV companies.
“We are at a critical moment in our history whereby science and technology are critical aspects of our own personal skill development and to assist in solving contemporary security situations,” Shaibu said.
He added that the Army was seeking support to develop the technical capacity required to domesticate drone technology and strengthen Nigeria’s ability to develop UAV systems locally.
The COAS also requested further PTDF support for the development and upgrading of Nigerian Army Command Secondary Schools, describing education as an important welfare priority for military personnel and their families.
The proposed collaboration is expected to strengthen technical capacity, promote local innovation and support the development of indigenous expertise in UAV technology.
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