ARCO, NACETEM partner to boost drone technology for Nigeria’s security and economy
The growing adoption of drone technology is becoming critical for Nigeria’s national security, stability, and economic growth, Managing Director of ARCO Worldwide Services Limited, Okosubide Mozimo, has said. Mozimo made
- From Juliana Agbo, Abuja
The growing adoption of drone technology is becoming critical for Nigeria’s national security, stability, and economic growth, Managing Director of ARCO Worldwide Services Limited, Okosubide Mozimo, has said.
Mozimo made the remarks during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ARCO and the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) in Abuja over the weekend.
He signed on behalf of his company, while NACETEM was represented by its Director-General, Dr. Olushola Odusanya.
The agreement establishes collaboration on innovation, capacity development, and training in drone operations and maintenance. It also covers research and development initiatives aimed at leveraging technology to support Nigeria’s economic growth.
Under the partnership, both organisations plan to advance drone technology in Nigeria and equip young Nigerians with skills in drone manufacturing, piloting, and maintenance across sectors such as security, agriculture, oil and gas, healthcare, and infrastructure management.
Speaking after the signing, Mozimo said the collaboration aligns with ARCO’s mission to harness technology for national development. He added that drones have applications in agriculture, defence, logistics, maritime services, mapping, and infrastructure, offering opportunities for employment and innovation.
Highlighting global trends, he stressed the importance of keeping pace with developments in modern warfare and technology. “This MoU will strengthen local capacity and position Nigeria to compete globally in drone technology,” he said.
Mozimo further disclosed that ARCO pioneered commercial drone operations in Nigeria in 2016 and has since provided services to the oil and gas sector, security agencies, and the military, while also training local drone pilots. The company’s training academy has reduced the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for drone training, helping curb capital flight.
Mozimo emphasised that the partnership with NACETEM would expand opportunities for training, innovation and technology development that could positively impact many Nigerians.
He also highlighted the potential of drones in strengthening security surveillance and election monitoring, noting that their deployment along major highways and other sensitive locations could help security agencies respond more quickly to threats such as kidnapping.
In his remarks, NACETEM Director-General, Dr. Olushola Odusanya, said the agency is committed to ensuring that innovations in science and technology translate into commercially viable products that benefit the Nigerian economy.
Odusanya noted that NACETEM serves as a think tank for government, providing data-driven research and policy advice in areas related to science, technology, and innovation.
He explained that the agency analyses data to support government policy decisions and also conducts gap analyses to identify areas requiring capacity development and training.
The director-general added that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and information and communication technology (ICT) are creating new opportunities for national development, describing the partnership with ARCO as a practical step in harnessing these innovations.
Odusanya further called for greater emphasis on vocational education and skills acquisition as Nigeria seeks to accelerate industrialisation and technological growth.
He said prioritising technical skills such as welding, foundry practice, industrial electrical work, and mechatronics would help strengthen the country’s industrial base and support job creation.
