Insecurity is a global challenge. African countries are now realising that terrorism, banditry and other forms of violence which affect their socio-economic development can be effectively tackled through synergy, knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Among the initiatives jointly sponsored by a number of contigious countries are joint border patrols, and the exchange of intelligence to counter the extensive terrorist networks and possibly track their sources of funding and arms supply.
How the Armed Forces, particularly the Airforce, can frontally improve on air security, drawing from the cooperation of their counterparts across the globe was the focus of the Fourth Africa Air Forces Forum held in Lagos at the weekend.
The theme of the brainstorming session hosted by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, was: ‘Strengthening Collaboration in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security.’
At the conference, Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) Chairman and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma set the tone for the robust discussion by high-profile professionals and aerospace technology experts, who converged on the conference hall of Eko Hotel, Victoria Island.
In his view, the forum is both timely and auspicious because of the shared security vision that it embodies, noting that Air Marshal Abubakar hosted the conference due to his resolve to inspire confidence in defence capability in the region.
Airspace defines sovereignty. In today’s world, it also shapes a nation’s survival. Across Africa, countries are being increasingly confronted by a complex web of transboundary threats. These range from terrorism and banditry to cyber incursions and resource-based conflicts.
Also, borders or timelines do not confine these challenges, as noted by Uzodimma, who believes that “as the threats evolve, so must our responses, not only in tactical precision but also in collaborative foresight.”
The governor is not an expert in military science. Nor is he a security expert. But as a statesman, he has been involved in security policy formulation as head of a sub-national unit within the Nigerian federation that has been battling with threats to peace in more than a decade. He also has access to intelligence that can make him realistically asses the gravity of the situation as a key actor in the country.
What is important, in the opinion of Uzodimma, is for Nigeria, and indeed other African countries, to look for a home-grown solution to terror and banditry, even as they collaborate with their distant technological countries in the western world.
Uzodimma believes that airpower remains one of the most versatile tools of modern defence, offering speed, reach, deterrence, and intelligence superiority. However, although some African nations have built impressive capabilities, they are inadequate
“Egypt has over 1,000 military aircraft, Algeria has 600-plus, and Nigeria maintains 163 aircraft. These numbers alone are insufficient. We need not only more aircraft but smarter integration of our air assets into a collective security architecture,” he said.
Uzodinma acknowledged that the Multinational Joint Task Force, established in 2014 by the Lake Chad Commission in response to the threat of Boko Haram, was a right step in the right direction. Nigeria, Benin Republic, Cameron, Chad and Niger constituted the joint force. Through the joint operations, the countries had achieved real gains in their efforts to secure their territories.
Hailing the initiative, he said: “We have neutralised terrorist strongholds, restored communities, and enabled safe resettlement.”
However, there are still obvious gaps in intelligence coordination, operational interoperability, and shared logistics. “These must be addressed not in theory but through mechanisms we build together,” Uzodimma added.
The governor said the continent must realise its limitations and work on their deficiencies as they plan for the future. He said the hard truth is that “Africa remains largely dependent on external suppliers for critical aerospace and defence needs,” stress that “this reliance leaves us vulnerable to both market volatility and strategic manipulation.”
However, is not hopeless, Uzodimma pointed out that across the continent, signs of transformation are emerging.
“The Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation is producing small arms and experimenting with advanced platforms. Private firms like Proforce are manufacturing world-class Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, already deployed in Chad, Niger, and Rwanda.
“South Africa has doubled its defence exports since 2020, supplying advanced systems and electronic warfare equipment. Morocco has become a trusted aerospace manufacturing hub, producing for Airbus and other global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
“Egypt and Algeria maintain mature domestic defence industries, while Ethiopia and Zambia have made strides in self-sufficiency and technology integration,” he stressed.
Besides, the governor noted that, at least, 35 indigenous drone models are in development or active service across Africa, adding that “Nigeria leads in this domain, with 28 drone systems operational or undergoing tests.
“This is a powerful signal that we are not passive consumers of security technology; we are increasingly becoming architects of our solutions,” he said.
However, the PGF Chairman said that intention must now meet execution.
His words: “We must translate our shared aspirations into binding frameworks: mutual defence agreements, co-development pacts, pooled logistics platforms, shared research infrastructure, and joint training protocols. These are not luxuries. In the face of 21st-century threats, they are necessary instruments of survival.”
Uzodimma justified the increased defence budgets across Africa, saying that they are dictated by the prevailing security challenges. He said the increased defence spending ($25 billion in Algeria, $13.4 billion in Morocco, $3.1 billion in Nigeria) shows that the continent is willing to invest.
However, the governor said these countries must align these investments with coherent goals of “technology transfer, indigenous innovation, and workforce development.” Nigeria, he said, should learn from them.
“ South Africa and Morocco have shown how aerospace progress fuels economic growth and job creation. We must take a cue from these countries,” he added.
Uzodimma praised the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force for adopting a self-reliant approach, reactivating long-abandoned aircraft, deploying locally developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) like the Tsaigumi, and incorporating academic research into mission planning and systems design. In his view, the innovative paradigm shift is redefining the scope of African-led innovation in defence.
The governor said the forum should look inward and embrace what he described as a new doctrine; an African aerospace doctrine rooted in local capacity, governed by shared standards and fuelled by political commitment.
“Our continent has the institutions. The African Union and regional economic communities already provide frameworks for collective action. What is left is the courage to act, the will to fund, and the discipline to implement,” he added.
The governor pointed out that “the era when air superiority was seen as a privilege is gone,” stressing that it is now a requirement for sovereignty and peace. Urging participants to reflect on these realities, Uzodinma said the Airforce should move from principles to policies so that their deliberations can advance the cause of peace, prosperity and security
“African skies must not remain exposed and unprotected, and African solutions can no longer wait,” he said.
