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 recognized throughout a latest media parley in Abuja, the place he engaged with editors and prime 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 know-how sector.
Addressing questions on authorities help, 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 introduced us is that we’re capable of 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 help has gone a great distance in cushioning the challenges typically confronted by native defence producers who historically battle excessive overheads, restricted funding, and provide chain disruptions.
This improvement aligns with the renewed push by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to advertise native content material, cut back dependency on imported safety tools, and empower homegrown innovators as a part of Nigeria’s broader nationwide safety reform.
Echefu, recognized for his pioneering function in drone know-how, unmanned aerial methods (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 overseas defence {hardware} however have additionally created employment and transferred vital tech abilities to Nigerian youth.
“Analysis is pricey, however we can not compromise on it if we need to lead. We should spend money on our personal improvements and methods. The federal government’s help is encouraging, and we’re longing for much more collaborations within the close to future,” he added.
The media parley served as an eye fixed opener for a lot of in attendance, as Echefu and his group showcased a spread of domestically developed defence tech options able to remodeling Nigeria’s inner safety operations.
With indigenous innovation enjoying an more and more vital function in nationwide safety and President Tinubu’s administration actively backing Nigerian-led know-how initiatives, trade gamers like Dr. Shiny Echefu are redefining what it means to guard and safe Nigeria from inside.
