The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has observed that a resilient industrial base strengthens economic competitiveness, creates productive employment, enhances national resilience and contributes significantly to regional peace and security.
He also stressed that industrial capacity is no longer merely an economic aspiration but a strategic imperative.
He added that Africa’s abundant natural and human resources must be transformed into value-added production, technological innovation and sustainable prosperity if the continent is to realise its full potential.
Speaking at the graduation lecture for participants of National Defence College Course 34, held at the National Defence College in Abuja on Monday, the Minister said, “The security and prosperity of our nations are mutually reinforcing. Lasting peace cannot be sustained without inclusive economic growth, just as sustainable development cannot flourish in an environment of insecurity.”
He stated that building resilient institutions, investing in infrastructure, technology and human capital, and strengthening regional cooperation remain indispensable to securing Africa’s future.
“As African nations continue to deepen collaboration through continental initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, we must collectively pursue policies that promote industrialisation, innovation and shared prosperity.
“To the graduating participants of Course 34, you are returning to your respective Services, Ministries, Departments and Agencies at a time when strategic leadership is more critical than ever. The knowledge and networks you have acquired here must now translate into sound policy, innovative thinking and effective leadership. I encourage you to champion integrated approaches that strengthen national resilience, promote economic development and enhance peace and security, not only within your respective countries but across the African continent,” the Minister said.
Congratulating the graduating participants, General Musa applauded the National Defence College for its continued contribution to national capacity-building and strategic leadership development.
In a lecture titled “Harnessing Industrial Capacity for Inclusive Growth and Regional Stability in Africa,” the Guest Lecturer and former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, said Africa’s industrial deficit is not merely an economic concern; it is increasingly a strategic security challenge.
“With more than 60 per cent of its population under the age of 25, the continent welcomes millions of young people into the labour market each year. Yet the growth of productive employment has failed to keep pace with this demographic expansion (AfDB, 2024),” he said.
Dr Jonathan said the resulting unemployment, underemployment and economic exclusion have created fertile ground for violent extremism, organised crime, piracy, irregular migration, communal conflicts and unconstitutional changes of government in several parts of the continent.
He added, “Without competitive industries capable of creating decent jobs and broadening economic opportunities, the prospects for lasting peace, stability and inclusive growth will remain severely constrained.
“Despite these challenges, Africa stands at a defining moment in its development journey. Never before has the continent possessed such a powerful combination of demographic potential, natural resource endowment and continental policy momentum. By 2050, one out of every four people in the world is projected to be African, while Nigeria is expected to become the world’s third most populous country (UNFPA Nigeria, 2023).”
Linus Aleke
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