By Kingsley Omonobi
ABUJA — The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has identified industrialisation, strategic leadership and regional economic integration as critical drivers of national security, economic prosperity and sustainable development across Africa.
Musa spoke at the graduation lecture for participants of Course 34 of the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, where former President Goodluck Jonathan delivered a lecture titled, “Harnessing Industrial Capacity for Inclusive Growth and Regional Stability in Africa.”
According to a statement by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, Musa commended Jonathan for sharing his perspectives on industrial development and regional stability.
The Defence Minister said industrial capacity had evolved from being merely an economic aspiration to a strategic imperative for countries seeking competitiveness, productive employment, resilience and regional stability.
He said the lecture underscored the need for African countries to transform their abundant natural and human resources into value-added production, technological innovation and sustainable prosperity.
Musa noted that security and economic development were mutually reinforcing, stressing that lasting peace could not be sustained without inclusive growth, while sustainable development could not thrive in an environment of insecurity.
He identified strong institutions, infrastructure development, technological advancement and investment in human capital as essential components for securing Africa’s future.
The minister also underscored the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a key platform for deepening regional cooperation, expanding markets and accelerating industrialisation and innovation across the continent.
He said greater collaboration through continental initiatives such as AfCFTA would promote shared prosperity and contribute to regional stability.
According to him, increased regional trade and industrial development would enable African countries to derive greater value from their resources, create jobs and build stronger economies capable of supporting long-term peace and security.
He added that economic integration remained an important component of efforts to strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerabilities across Africa.
Addressing the graduating participants, Musa urged them to apply the knowledge, skills and professional networks acquired during the programme to advance sound policymaking, innovative thinking and effective leadership in their respective services, ministries, departments and agencies.
He encouraged them to champion integrated approaches aimed at enhancing national resilience, economic development, peace and security within their countries and across the continent.
Musa commended the National Defence College for sustaining its reputation as Nigeria’s foremost institution for strategic and professional military education, as well as its contribution to national capacity building and leadership development.
He congratulated the graduating participants and expressed appreciation to Jonathan for delivering the lecture before declaring the National Defence College Course 34 Graduation Lecture closed.
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