From Walter Ukaegbu, Abuja
Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, has expressed the readiness the ministry to partner with the Nigerian Army in the area of information and communication technology (ICT) in the country.
In a statement by the assistant communications officer, Mrs. Pauline Sule, yesterday in Abuja, Shittu noted that the collaboration was first initiated when he visited the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Turkur Buratai, in his office, to reciprocate and further strengthen the collaboration.
The statement said the ministry and its agencies were set for the partnership and would be engaged to help in deploying technology in all aspects of military activities and operations, where necessary.
The minister commended the military in fighting Boko Haram and other violent groups.
Shittu suggested that the COAS should consider establishing a strong ICT department in the Nigerian Army and the military academy.
He pledged the support of the ministry to complement his efforts in fighting crime and terrorism, saying war cannot be fought with arms alone but with technology as well.
Buratai commended Shittu for using ICT to add value to the growth of the nation’s gross domestic poduct.
He said: “The role of ICT is key to military operations and the use of cyberspace. Today, one can fight war or battles right from one’s office. This cannot be achieved without the support of the ministry hence the collaboration.”