The Nigerian Army has asked the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to partner with it on training personnel and developing local expertise for the production and maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, made the request during a visit to the PTDF headquarters in Abuja, where he met with the Fund’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu.
Shaibu said developing local skills in drone design, production, operation and maintenance would help the military respond to security challenges while reducing the need to send personnel abroad for specialised training.
He said terrorism, insurgency and banditry continued to require greater use of science and technology, making it important for Nigeria to develop a pool of professionals capable of supporting indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle companies.
The Army chief said the proposed partnership would focus on building the technical capacity of military personnel and supporting the development of local companies involved in unmanned aerial systems.
The request comes as Nigeria continues efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing. Defence Headquarters has also highlighted local production as part of efforts to improve the country's self-reliance in military equipment.
Responding, the PTDF executive secretary said the Fund was willing to deepen its existing relationship with the military in areas including education, skills development and technology.
Aliyu said PTDF already sponsors scholars at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna under its In-Country Scholarship Scheme. The Fund also supports science, technology, engineering and mathematics education initiatives in military schools.
The PTDF chief said the proposed Command Science and Technical College in Ankpa, Kogi State, aligned with the Fund’s mandate. He announced plans to support the institution with an ICT centre to promote digital and technology-focused learning.
The proposed drone partnership would add to Nigeria’s wider efforts to develop indigenous defence technology and build the technical workforce needed to design, operate and maintain locally produced military equipment.