Famend Nigerian technologist and safety entrepreneur, Shiny Echefu, has recommended the Federal Authorities of Nigeria for implementing insurance policies that make it simpler for indigenous defence firms to function and innovate, notably in accessing finance and easing the burden of research-related prices.
Echefu, the visionary behind Briech UAS and EiB Stratoc, made this identified throughout a latest media parley in Abuja, the place he engaged with editors and high tier media executives. The occasion additionally included a facility tour, providing journalists a firsthand have a look at the modern strides being made by his firms in Nigeria’s safety and defence expertise sector.
Addressing questions on authorities assist, Echefu famous that coverage reforms have made it potential for companies like his to barter operations and monetary commitments extra successfully, regardless of the capital-intensive nature of their work.
“One of many key alternatives this area has offered us is that we’re in a position to negotiate our funds simply,” he stated.
“There are insurance policies which have been adjusted to accommodate the truth that we’re spending some huge cash particularly on analysis. The federal government helps that successfully.”
Whereas particular monetary figures weren’t disclosed, Echefu emphasised that such assist has gone a good distance in cushioning the challenges typically confronted by native defence producers who historically battle excessive overheads, restricted funding, and provide chain disruptions.
This growth aligns with the renewed push by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to advertise native content material, scale back dependency on imported safety tools, and empower homegrown innovators as a part of Nigeria’s broader nationwide safety reform.
Echefu, identified for his pioneering position in drone expertise, unmanned aerial programs (UAS), and AI pushed surveillance infrastructure, has been on the forefront of efforts to place Nigeria as a hub for indigenous safety options. His firms haven’t solely diminished the nation’s reliance on international defence {hardware} however have additionally created employment and transferred vital tech expertise to Nigerian youth.
“Analysis is dear, however we can not compromise on it if we wish to lead. We should spend money on our personal improvements and programs. The federal government’s assist is encouraging, and we’re longing for much more collaborations within the close to future,” he added.
The media parley served as a watch opener for a lot of in attendance, as Echefu and his crew showcased a variety of regionally developed defence tech options able to reworking Nigeria’s inner safety operations.
With indigenous innovation taking part in an more and more vital position in nationwide safety and President Tinubu’s administration actively backing Nigerian-led expertise initiatives, business gamers like Dr. Shiny Echefu are redefining what it means to guard and safe Nigeria from inside.
