REMARKS BY THE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF VICE ADMIRAL AZ GAMBO AM GSS psc ensp (RSA) MTM FNIM LMUSNI FCIS FIIPS FCAI DURING PRESENTATION OF THE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF RESEARCH PAPER BY PARTICIPANTS OF NAVAL WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA COURSE 5 AT THE NAVAL HEADQUARTERS ON 9 NOVEMBER 2021
OPENING REMARKS
1. CNS to once again welcome the Comdt and the delegation from NWCN. CNS to express appreciation to the Participants for their contributions to the development of the NN through their Research Work on the topic: Fourth Industrial Revolution and Operational Efficiency: Options for the Nigerian Navy. CNS to notify that the presentation of the Participants Research Work on the above topic aligns with his Vision and the extant NN Strategic Plan 2021 – 2030.
2. CNS to also thank the Branch Chiefs for their contributions and inputs. The CNS to express optimism that the contributions by the PSOs would enrich the document and facilitate its implementation by the NN.
GENERAL OVERVIEW
3. The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR) provides opportunities for the application of new technologies such as Automation, 3D Printing, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Cloud computing among others. These new technologies have wide applications across the field of human endeavours including the military profession for enhanced national security. Thus, being a highly technical service, the NN could harness the potential of these cutting-edge technologies to enhance her operational efficiency. Pertinently, this would increase ship availability in the NN and subsequently bolster NN effectiveness and Operational Efficiency in the protection of the nation’s maritime domain.
4. The paper identified 3 issues associated with the employment of FIR for enhanced OE in the NN. These issues are technology adaptation, human capacity and support infrastructure. Regarding technology adaptation, the NN has made some efforts with the acquisition of the Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) facilities namely: RMAC and FALCON EYE. These assets have elements of FIR solutions which have improved NN surveillance capability. However, it is opined that the NN could also adapt other emerging technologies such as augmented reality, AI, machine learning, and 3D printing to enable remote support services for naval operations for enhanced OE. In the area of human capacity, it is imperative for NN personnel to be proficient in ICT-related fields such as coding, software and hardware development, cyber security as well as programming and database management. However, current ICT training in the NN does not provide such competencies. Similarly, the availability of support infrastructure serves as a benchmark to determine the strength and effectiveness of FIR technologies adapted by any military organisation for enhanced OE. The FIR applications require adequate support infrastructure in power generation, internet penetration, and satellite feed, amongst others.
5. The Participants concluded the study by suggesting some strategies to improve the utilisation of FIR for enhanced OE. These include the formulation of an Emerging Technology Adaptation Policy, Partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as well as acquisition of microsatellites through collaboration with the Defence Space Administration (DSA) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). Subsequently, the Paper recommended that NHQ should:
a. Promulgate Technology Adaptation Policy by Second Quarter of 2022.
b. Partner with NITDA to develop capacity in IT-related fields for the utilisation of FIR technologies by the Third Quarter of 2022.
c. Collaborate with DSA for the acquisition of a microsatellite by the Third Quarter of 2023.
COMMENTS
6. The presentation by the Participants this morning aligns with my Vision which is ‘To leverage on all factors of national location, technology, training, teamwork and synergy to re-energise the Nigeria Navy and enhance her as a well-motivated and ready naval force in the discharge of her Constitutional mandate and other assigned tasks in fulfilment of national security objectives’. Accordingly, the NN under my watch will welcome inputs that would contribute to the attainment of my Vision Statement. Like I’ve always said, ‘it is Our Navy‘ and we all must realise that we have a stake in the growth and development of the NN.
7. Though an Academic Exercise, the Research work however was able to aptly identify some of the issues as well as challenges confronting the NN in the employment of FIR technologies for enhanced operational efficiency. Thus, the research work advised on the need to take cognisance of the identified challenges to NN’s quest for the utilisation of FIR.
8. The NN has maintained an aggressive presence at sea which has denied criminal elements freedom of action leading to a marked reduction in acts of criminality in the nation’s maritime environment. This feat has been acknowledged by International Maritime Organisations such as IMB and Defence Web. Notably, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Global Piracy Report of 14 Jul 21, indicated the lowest total of piracy and sea robbery against ships in 27 years. This report was corroborated by the Defence Web maritime security report of 15 Oct 21 which noted further decline in reported cases of piracy and armed attacks against shipping. Thus, the NN would embrace practical options like the application of FIR towards enhancing ship availability and sustenance of a robust presence at sea. Accordingly, the NN would need to:
a. Incorporate the ideals of FIR technology in its ship acquisition processes and procedures.
b. Upgrade its maintenance infrastructure. This would involve the acquisition of FIR-compliant machinery and equipment.
c. Review the curricula of the NN technical training institutions like NNEC and Apprenticeship Training School to expose students/trainees to the understanding and application of FIR technologies.
d. The acquisition of these technologies no doubt would come at some cost. It is thus expected that the NN budgetary proposal must equally take cognisance of this. The NN would not only acquire the technology but should be able to provide the necessary maintenance support for them.
e. Let me also emphasise the role of R & D in the NN utilisation of some of these FIR solutions. I believe the NN application should be guided by its own R & D inputs considering our geographic, oceanographic, hydrographic and meteorological peculiarities. This brings to fore the role of NN Admiralty University (ADUN). Accordingly, ADUN should be saddled with the responsibility of conducting necessary research in support of NN R & D efforts as it is obtainable in other climes as cited by the participants.
CLOSING REMARKS
9. CNS to once again appreciate the Comdt NWCN and the delegation on the occasion of the presentation of the CNS Research Paper by Participants of Course 5. CNS to notify of the Participants’ Recommendations as well as the invaluable contributions by the PSOs. CNS to note that the aggregation of the various contributions would no doubt enrich the Paper for its implementation by the NN.