The Managing Director of ARCO Worldwide Services Limited, Okosubide Mozimo, has warned that Nigeria must urgently embrace drone technology, citing lessons from the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Mozimo made the call in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ARCO and the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), stressing that modern warfare has become increasingly dependent on unmanned aerial systems.
He noted that the evolving hostilities involving global powers in the Middle East have clearly demonstrated the strategic importance of drones in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and combat operations.
According to him, Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in adopting such critical technology, not only for national security but also for economic advancement.
The agreement, signed by Mozimo and NACETEM’s Director-General, Dr Olushola Odusanya, is aimed at promoting research, innovation, and capacity-building in drone technology across the country.
Under the partnership, both organisations plan to train young Nigerians in drone production, piloting, and maintenance, with applications spanning security, agriculture, oil and gas, healthcare, and infrastructure monitoring.
Mozimo described drones as a rapidly growing sector with strong potential for job creation, noting that their relevance now extends far beyond military use into key areas of economic development.
In his remarks, Odusanya said NACETEM is committed to ensuring that scientific research translates into commercially viable innovations that can drive Nigeria’s economy.
He, however, emphasised that for innovation to thrive, the country must build strong ecosystems that support the development and deployment of technology-driven solutions.
The development underscores growing calls for Nigeria to integrate advanced technologies like drones into its security and economic strategies amid shifting global realities.
