The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Defence for the production of military hardware through indigenous innovation and technology.

NASENI’s Director of Information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Ayeoyenikan stated that the MoU which was signed on Wednesday would redefine Nigeria’s defence landscape and secure its future.

He said that the global security environment had made it expedient for Nigeria to position itself to address emerging threats using homegrown solutions.

According to the statement, NASENI Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu, described the MoU as a commitment to harness Nigeria’s scientific and engineering expertise towards national defence.

He said that the collaboration would create a robust ecosystem that supported the needs of the Nigerian armed forces, and growth of local industries.

“Our goal in this partnership is to ensure that our military is equipped with the best tools to defend our nation. Through this partnership, we will lay the foundation for a self-reliant defence industry that will contribute to economic growth,” the statement quoted Halilu as saying.

(NAN)