MANAGING TECHNOLOGY IN THE NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES

Abstract

It was during the Second World War that the application of sciences in military strategies and tactics became a dominant factor. The major wars that were fought thereafter saw the emergence of technology which changed the conduct of warfare. The Nigerian civil war of 1967-1970 generated powerful argument in support of the Nation's interest towards advancement in military technology. In 1964 a few years before the civil war broke out the Defence Industry Corporation was constituted. The Industry was to serve as a spring board for development of military technology. However, immediately the civil war ended, advanced technology was introduced into the military with less attention focused on the country's technology, scientific and industrial development. Military capabilities are no doubt the product of Research and Development. The DICON, several (R&D) establishments in the military and the mobilization of indigenous resources are pivot points for the enhancement of military technology. The Nigerian Defence Academy and technical institutions established by the three Services should form foundation for cross-fertilization of ideas. A central body may be required for the purpose of monitoring the activities of (R&D) in the military and institutions of higher learning in the country. This essay has become necessary to bring into view the processes which prevail on the management of technology in the Nigerian Armed Forces. The scope of this work will delve into the problems and improvements of DICON and R&Ds in the military. It will try to analyse the roles Nigerian Defence Academy, military technical schools and indigenous firms play in technological advancement in the Armed Forces. It will examine major technologies that are in use in the military. Materials for this work would be obtained from reports on workshops and seminars relating to national defence technology. Consultations would be made with the management of DICON, defence (R&D), Training Commands, and private firms some of whom may be defence contractors.