Nigeria’s security future may depend as much on technology and innovation as on military strength, Defence Minister Christopher Musa warned on Thursday while outlining the changing nature of global conflict in the digital age.
Speaking at the Omniverse Africa Summit 3.0 in Lagos, Musa said modern warfare has moved beyond traditional battlefields into cyberspace, digital systems, and technological competition, making innovation a critical component of national defence.
“The battlefield now extends beyond land, sea and air into cyberspace, digital infrastructure, information systems and technological advantage, and nations that fail to innovate will struggle to secure their future,” he said.
According to the minister, countries that fail to adapt to the realities of the fourth industrial revolution risk weakening their security architecture and strategic relevance.
He stressed that innovation and defence can no longer be treated separately, insisting that technological advancement now plays a central role in national security and economic development.
“Defence is central to innovation, and responsibly guided innovation is central to national security and national development. Defence is not outside innovation,” Musa added.
The minister also highlighted the continued importance of human capacity in addressing emerging threats, noting that leadership, discipline, operational experience, and problem-solving abilities remain valuable assets in an increasingly technology-driven security environment.
He advocated the creation of structured pathways that would enable serving and retired military personnel transition into innovation-focused sectors, entrepreneurship, and technology industries after service.
As part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria’s defence institutions and the technology ecosystem, Musa launched the “Kryterion Defence Roundtable and Defence Futures Lab Pathway.”
The initiative is aimed at promoting locally developed solutions to national security challenges while fostering collaboration among defence experts, innovators, and industry stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, retired Colonel Felix Alaita said the platform was created to connect military doctrine, technology, industry, talent, and strategic partnerships through a non-classified and results-driven framework.
Officials said the initiative is expected to support Nigeria’s broader push for indigenous defence innovation and homegrown security technologies.
