NITDA partners army to manufacture military equipment, gather intelligence

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) through its National Center for Artificial Intelligence Robotics and Robotics (NCAIR) is to collaborate with the Nigerian security operatives in the manufacturing of locally-made military equipment to tackle insecurity.

The initiative was to provide first-hand intelligence gathering to the nation’s security architecture using technology and digital-driven methods aimed at bringing an end to the incessant security threats in the country.

Director, NCAIR, Engr. Ya’u Garba Isa disclosed this when he received the Rector Nigerian Army College of Environmental Science and Technology (NACEST) Markudi, Benue State, Brigadier General Yahaya H Abdulhamid, at his office.

Engr Isa, while welcoming his guests said, NCAIR is among NITDA’s key drivers, established primarily to promote research and development on emerging technologies and their practical application in areas of national interest.

He said: “Collaboration with the military will open a huge opportunity for the centre to explore manufacturing of locally made military hardware that will be used in fighting criminal elements.”

Isa noted that NCAIR as digital innovation and research facility is focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Drones, Internet of Things (IOT) and other emerging technologies that can be deployed to a mission area so as to provide intelligence report which, he said, can be manufactured at a low cost.

He added that the center is also looking into the possibility of producing what they termed as ‘Digital Grenade’ that can be used with ‘Wireless Censored Network’ which will be utilized in detecting some vital information in the field during operations.

“NCAIR focuses on creating a thriving ecosystem for innovation-driven entrepreneurship IDE, job creation and national development,” he explained.

Isa then assured the management of the NACEST of his office’s unflinching support towards the realization of the mutual collaboration that will bring about a suitable environment for discovery and harnessing the abundant creative ideas of Nigeria’s teeming youth through the promotion of innovative technologies.

Earlier, the Rector of the College, Brigadier General Yahaya H Abdulhamid, said the idea to partner with the NITDA was borne out of observing the serious impact the agency has been making on Nigerians in areas of Emerging Technologies.

NITDA, as the nation’s apex IT regulatory body, is capable of enhancing the ability of the students of the NACEST in areas of innovation, digital literacy and skills acquisition of modern technology.

He emphasized that his students are eager to learn various innovative ideas so as to align with the present reality for the overall development of the country.

Brigadier General Abdulhamid described innovation as key to the attainment of any meaningful development. He called on NCAIR to fast track the process of incorporating NACEST into its plan.

“These are the things that you must embrace in order to achieve national security and development, as it is not an adventurous thing, but rather a must,” he submitted.

The visiting NACEST entourage was conducted round the NCAIRs innovation laboratory, a make space and fabrication laboratory (FabLab) 3D Printer and Printed Circuit facilities.

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