ARCO Worldwide Services Partners with NACETEM to Boost Drone Technology in Nigeria
Okosubide Mojimo, Managing Director of ARCO Worldwide Services, has underscored the essential role of drone technology in enhancing national security, stability, and economic development in Nigeria. Mojimo made these remarks during a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing event with the National Center for Technology and Management (NACETEM), a federal government agency, in Abuja.
The MoU aims to establish a collaborative framework that promotes the advancement of drone technology and provides training for young Nigerians across various sectors. Areas of focus include security, agriculture, oil and gas, healthcare, and infrastructure management. The partnership will facilitate innovation, capacity building, and research and development, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth through technological integration.
The agreement was formally signed by Mojimo on behalf of ARCO and Dr. Olushola Odusanya, Executive Director of NACETEM. In his address, Mojimo expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with NACETEM, a frontrunner in innovation and technology advancement in Nigeria. He articulated that this partnership aligns with ARCO’s mission to drive economic progress via technological contributions.
Mojimo emphasized the need to strengthen drone technology in critical sectors such as agriculture, defense, logistics, and healthcare. He pointed out that the relevance of drones has been evident in global conflicts, notably the ongoing tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, where unmanned aerial vehicles have played a crucial role. “Nigeria cannot afford to overlook the significance of this technology,” he stated.
He further highlighted ARCO’s pioneering contributions to commercial drone operations in Nigeria since 2016, asserting the company’s leadership in providing drone-related services such as pilot training for the oil and gas industry. Through its dedicated training academy, ARCO addresses the challenge of capital flight associated with training pilots abroad. “This partnership with NACETEM offers us a vital platform for broader outreach,” Mojimo noted.
Mojimo also addressed the potential of drone technology in addressing security challenges, particularly in light of the ongoing kidnappings across the country. He suggested that deploying drones on key highways could significantly enhance surveillance and response capabilities during such crises. The ability to monitor threats swiftly can aid in rescue operations and bolster national security efforts.
Dr. Odusanya of NACETEM affirmed the organization’s commitment to translating scientific and technological innovations into impactful economic products. He questioned the commercialization of innovations and emphasized the necessity for an ecosystem that nurtures advancements leading to societal benefits. The CEO reiterated that NACETEM plays a pivotal role in informing policy through data, enhancing the understanding of science and technology’s impacts on Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its technological landscape, the MoU between ARCO and NACETEM exemplifies a strategic step toward leveraging drone technology to support national initiatives and address pressing challenges in various sectors.
