Funding and Manpower Deficits Hamper Nigerian Military's Technological Advancement
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has identified critical challenges, including inadequate funding and a shortage of skilled personnel, that are preventing Nigeria's armed forces from fully utilizing technology to boost operational effectiveness. This revelation was made during a recent lecture in Calabar, highlighting the urgent need for strategic improvements in the military's technological capabilities.
Infrastructure Gaps and AI Underdevelopment
Major General Adamu Laka, the Coordinator of the NCTC, emphasized that emerging technologies, particularly advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, have become essential tools for enhancing operational success among military forces in developed nations. However, he noted that Nigeria is struggling to make significant progress in this area due to a lack of robust AI infrastructure.
According to Laka, ongoing assessments of research and development initiatives show that advanced AI applications remain underdeveloped and are not sufficiently integrated into core operational systems. This shortfall is exacerbated by gaps in funding, technical expertise, coordination, and strategic focus, which collectively diminish the potential transformative impact of AI on military operations.
Connectivity and Digital Challenges
The coordinator detailed that Nigeria's infrastructure deficiencies include insufficient high-performance computing systems, data storage platforms, secure networks, and reliable broadband connectivity. For instance, the country requires approximately 80,000 base stations to achieve optimal speeds for 4G or 5G networks, but currently has only about 53,460. This shortage results in poor data quality and integration across military services, further hindering effective AI utilization.
Laka also pointed out that Nigeria ranks 86th out of 117 countries in terms of digital well-being, largely due to poor internet connectivity. In a comparative analysis, he highlighted that while Nigeria invested $4 billion in probation and communication technology infrastructure between 2010 and 2021, Rwanda invested over $12 billion during the same period, underscoring the need for increased investment in Nigeria.
Shortage of AI Specialists
Another significant barrier is the shortage of AI-trained specialists within the armed forces. Laka explained that this lack of expertise undermines the military's ability to exploit large volumes of data generated from Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. Without sufficient skills to design algorithms, validate outputs, and integrate AI insights into decision-making processes, commanders are unable to fully leverage AI for real-time threat detection, predictive analysis, and operational planning.
Furthermore, AI development is a relatively new field in Nigeria, with only a few tertiary institutions offering relevant courses. This educational gap contributes to the technical capacity shortfall, ultimately undermining operational effectiveness and the military's ability to adapt to modern warfare demands.
Call for Strategic Focus
In conclusion, the NCTC's findings stress that addressing these funding and manpower issues is crucial for Nigeria's armed forces to harness technology effectively. Enhancing AI infrastructure, increasing investment in digital connectivity, and expanding AI education and training programs are essential steps toward improving operational capabilities and national security in an increasingly tech-driven world.
