The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Nigerian Navy have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research, development and training initiatives to enhance local content, technology transfer and reverse engineering of nautical equipment. The partnership aims to promote ownership of infrastructural development in Nigeria’s maritime sector and reduce capital flight, as well as strengthen the country’s national development.
The signing ceremony, which took place at the headquarters of the Nigerian Navy in Abuja, was attended by the executive vice chairman of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Haruna, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo.
The MoU establishes a collaborative relationship between NASENI and the Nigerian Navy in the joint development and production of maritime platforms and weapons for the Nigerian Navy and the defence industry.
The partnership also aims to facilitate local manufacturing of maritime equipment for the Nigerian Navy and build the capacity of naval personnel. According to Haruna, working together with NASENI will save the navy scarce foreign exchange and reduce the importation of war equipment into the country.
Gambo commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for its efforts to develop Nigeria technologically, saying that the MoU would strengthen inter-agency relationships for maritime development.
He added that the signing of the MoU was the final stage of the relationship that had existed between NASENI and the navy since 2016. The partnership would develop capacity in oil and gas exploration and establish a factory that would produce military equipment.
The MoU would also provide engineering training facilities and skill acquisition enhancement to support the Nigerian Navy and provide engineering, research and development training and capacity development to the Nigerian Navy personnel, while supporting other activities incidental to engineering services, research and development in the Nigerian Navy for the overall development of Nigeria’s maritime industry, a statement by NASENI’s deputy director, information, Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, said.
