Unmanned aerial vehicles crucial for country's safety and financial development, according to ARCO Managing Director

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…as MoU Signed with NACETEM

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By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

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ABUJA — Drones are emerging as a critical tool for Nigeria’s security, stability, and economic development, the Managing Director of ARCO Worldwide Services, Engr. Okosubide Mozimo, has said.

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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.

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The agreement aims to promote innovation, capacity building, and research in drone technology while supporting national economic growth through technological advancement.

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The MoU will facilitate the training of young Nigerians in drone production, piloting, and maintenance across sectors including security, agriculture, oil and gas, medicine, infrastructure management, and logistics.

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Speaking on the collaboration, Mozimo said, “We at ARCO are excited to partner with NACETEM, a leading federal agency driving innovation and capacity building. This aligns with our vision of leveraging technology to advance Nigeria’s economy. Through this MoU, we will enhance drone technology in key sectors such as agriculture, defence, oil and gas, security, logistics, medicine, infrastructure, maritime, and mapping.”

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He noted the strategic importance of drones, citing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, where drones have played a pivotal role in modern warfare. “If you look at the war between America, Israel, and Iran, drones account for 70% of the equipment being used with remarkable results. Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind. This partnership allows us to develop the capacity to compete globally,” he added.

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ARCO pioneered commercial drone operations in Nigeria in 2016 and has remained at the forefront of the industry, providing services for oil and gas, security, and military operations, as well as training drone pilots domestically, reducing the need for overseas training.

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Mozimo emphasized drones’ potential in enhancing security and election monitoring, suggesting that deploying drones along major expressways could improve response times to kidnappings or security threats.

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In his remarks, NACETEM Director-General Dr. Olushola Odusanya stressed the need for innovations in science and technology to translate into commercial products that contribute to Nigeria’s economy. “Innovation thrives only when ecosystems are built, and these ecosystems must produce commercial products that benefit society. Our role is to provide data and policy guidance to ensure the effective utilization of technology in economic growth,” he said.

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Dr. Odusanya also highlighted the importance of vocational education and skills development, advocating for prioritized training in fields like welding, foundry practice, industrial electrical work, and mechatronics to support rapid industrialization and job creation in Nigeria.

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The partnership between ARCO and NACETEM represents a strategic step in leveraging drone technology for national development while empowering young Nigerians with valuable technical skills.

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