NCTC Reports Funding and Manpower Challenges in Nigerian Military's Use of Technology
The National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC) has identified inadequate funding and manpower as critical challenges preventing the Nigerian military from effectively utilizing technology to enhance operational capabilities. Maj.-Gen.
Adamu Laka noted that Nigeria ranks 86 out of 117 countries in digital well-being and lacks necessary AI infrastructure. The nation has approximately 53,460 base stations, falling short of the 80,000 needed for optimal 4G or 5G service.
Nigeria invested $4 billion in communication technology from 2010 to 2021, while Rwanda invested over $12 billion. A shortage of AI-trained specialists further hampers the military's ability to process data from Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance platforms. The NCTC plans to improve this situation by 2027 through funding and partnerships with local AI institutions to enhance technical capacity and operational effectiveness.
