Nokai Origin, Abuja
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle had acknowledged the challenges posed by the rapid evolution of technology in a complex security landscape and emphasized its critical role as a “force multiplier” in national defence architecture.
Matawalle stated this in his address at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI) Annual Conference, held at NAOWA School in Abuja.
The CDI conference which is scheduled to run from 11 to 15 November, 2024 brings together Nigeria’s leading defence intelligence experts, Defence Attachés and Advisors from accross allied countries, to discuss and strategize on the evolving role of technology in enhancing national and regional security.
Speaking on the conference with the theme, “Exploring the Role of Technology in Strengthening National and Regional Security", the Minister highlighted the evolving challenges Nigeria faces in maintaining security and stability while recognizing the contributions of Nigeria's Defence Attachés, state intelligence officers, and diplomats in addressing both internal and external threats.
He noted that “As we navigate an increasingly complex security environment, technology offers us both opportunities and challenges. For any nation’s defence strategy to succeed, it must integrate technology into every facet of its security apparatus.”
Matawalle stressed that “Intelligence remains vital to our security strategy. It equips our civilian and military leaders with the situational awareness needed to protect our citizens and safeguard our national interests,” he stated.
He therefore encouraged the Defence Attachés and Advisers to approach their roles with heightened ethical responsibility, particularly in their international engagements, urging them to utilize technology within the bounds of international law to foster diplomatic relations and safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“We must leverage technology ethically and strategically in our diplomatic engagements to ensure Nigeria’s security and stability on both national and regional fronts,” he said.
Dr. Matawalle called upon all conference participants to re-dedicate themselves to serving Nigeria with excellence calling upon them to remain vigilant and to consider global, regional, and national dynamics in their efforts to represent the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Ministry of Defence, and Nigeria.
Dr. Matawalle expressed hope that the conference would produce actionable insights for enhancing Nigeria’s national security and defence posture. He extended his best wishes to all attendees for productive discussions.
This was captured in a statement by the Personal Assistant on Media, Office of the Minister of State for Defence, Ahmad Dan-Wudil.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye said the advent of artificial intelligence or AI, among other of its expressions has ushered in a wave of changes across the global intelligence landscape, forcing a rethink about the perception of safety and security at individual, group, and national levels.
According to the Defence Intelligence Chief, while the nature of threats facing the country Nigeria, are still the same, their potency, prevalence, frequency, and intensity have been significantly on the rise due to the unprecedented activities of the adversary.
"However, our armed forces, gallant as they are, and sister security agencies and services, have lived as the bastion of defense, protection, and success in protecting the life and lives of our great country and citizens.” CDI stated.
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