Defence minister urges air force to look inwards to boost its technology

Lt.-Gen. Aliyu Gusau (rtd), the minister of defence, has urged the Nigerian Air Force to domicile its technology for effective performance.
The minister made the call on Saturday night in Abuja at the end-of-year get-together and awards night organised by the Nigerian Air Force.
Gusau was represented by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ismalia Aliyu. “Concerning our quest to enhance operational capability in the 21st century, no military can afford to stand by and depend on borrowed technology.
“Every time, a new platform is acquired. It also means a detection of borrowed and sometimes circumvent technology.
“Therefore, you must thrive to domicile your technological effort and equipment maintenance in pursuit of self-reliance. “Current events have brought to the fore the lack of cooperation exhibited by some of our international partners in our efforts to ascertain the needs of our security and defence.
“Hence we are compelled to look inwards.
“I then use this opportunity to assure members of our armed forces of President Goodluck Jonathan’s resolve to provide the required impetus to assist the armed forces to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
Gusau said the military has the ability to sustain and project the country’s leadership position in Africa and beyond.
He said the nation was currently experiencing security challenges which were placing a high demand on the armed forces.
“It is my utmost conviction that our challenges today will not be too feeble efforts, timidity or obsolete dogmas.”