By Blessing Fali
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has said industrialisation and strong productive capacity are essential to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, national security and long term stability.
Musa made the remarks at the graduation lecture for Course 34 participants of the National Defence College in Abuja, where former President Goodluck Jonathan delivered a lecture on harnessing industrial capacity for inclusive growth and regional stability in Africa.
The Defence Minister said industrial capacity had moved beyond being an economic ambition and had become a strategic necessity for countries seeking competitiveness, job creation, resilience and stability.
He stressed that African countries must transform their abundant natural and human resources into value added production, technological innovation and sustainable economic growth.
According to him, security and economic development are closely connected, noting that lasting peace cannot be achieved without inclusive economic growth, while development cannot thrive in an environment of insecurity.
Musa identified strong institutions, infrastructure, technological advancement and investment in human capital as key requirements for Africa’s future development.
He also highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, saying deeper regional cooperation and expanded markets would help African countries accelerate industrialisation, create jobs and gain greater value from their resources.
The minister urged the graduating participants to use the knowledge and skills acquired at the National Defence College to promote effective policymaking, innovative thinking and stronger leadership in their various institutions.
He said greater economic integration and industrial development would strengthen resilience, reduce vulnerabilities and contribute to long term peace and security across the continent.
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