Science ministry, armed forces partner on national security

NIGERIAN Institute of Leather and Science Technology, an agency of the Ministry of Science and Technology, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) in the area of research with the aim of strengthening national security.

The MoU, according to the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Birtus Bako Nabasu, focuses on the field of research and development on footwear of the Armed Forces.

He said this was part of the drive to diversify the national economy and conserve foreign reserve, adding that the initiative would also help in the effective exploitation of natural resources.

At the signing ceremony in Abuja, Nabasu said that the MoU was also expected to provide the platform for exchange of technical knowledge and experience acquired in the design, production and use of goods for military operations.

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According to him, the Ministry of Science and Technology is fully committed to the implementation of the MoU in line with the Executive Order No.5 for the planning, execution of projects, promotion of Nigerian contents in contracts sciences, engineering and technology and with the upsurge of security challenges in the country.

He added that the Mou was also expected to strengthen collaborations in technical development in the goods related to the military and the setting up of a production line for military footwear.

In his remarks, the director-general of Defence, Research and Development Bureau, Air Vice Marshal  Jomo Osahor, said that the signing of the MoU would save Nigeria N20 billion annually from the cost of importing military shoes into the country.

He said it would also help to track insecurity, provide employment and build capacities of people towards national development.

Osahor added that it would provide the platform for easy modification to suite every situation in view of the fluid nature of the battle field.

Earlier, the acting director-general of NILEST, Dr Eucharia Oparah, said that the bilateral partnership between both parties was expected to revive the nation’s economy, reduce capital flight, improve security, create employment and wealth as well as promote made-in-Nigeria goods.