By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has called for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to exploit the potentials of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve operational efficiency in their operations.
Ogalla made the call at the Second Quarter 2024 Defence Headquarters and Services Departments/Branches Transformation Seminar, hosted by the Nigerian Navy, on Thursday in Abuja.
The theme of the seminar was “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence as a Transformation Tool in Contemporary Military Operations”.
According to him, the seminar came at a time the armed forces was exploiting transformational and innovative initiatives towards enhancing operational efficiency in line with best practices.
Ogalla said the complexity of security challenges across the nation underscored the need for innovative strategies and initiatives, adding that emphasis had been on modernisation of hardware and equipment for enhanced national security.
He said the technological innovations required extensive application of artificial intelligence in conjunction with research and development.
“We are cautious of the fact that the application of artificial intelligence has permitted all spheres of human endeavor, particularly in the field of finance, medical, space, technology, agriculture, logistics, among several other areas.
“It is in fact the future of military operations and we must, therefore, ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria meets up with this evolving technological achievement.
“Our armed forces must, therefore, prioritise artificial intelligence in order to achieve the desired innovation and transformation for enhanced operational readiness and effectiveness.
“This is the desired goal which you, as leaders of the transformation branch of the various services, must work to actualise.
“I therefore encourage us to use these two days to brainstorm on critical issues and challenges in inherent in the application of artificial intelligence for improved operational efficiency.
“This is because everything that has advantages must have some disadvantages.
“So as much as we want to exploit the advantages of AI, we must also be able to surmount those inherent challenges and disadvantages that could arise from them,” he said.
The Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Adm. Michael Oamen, said the seminar was specially designed to explore viable options for integrating artificial intelligence as a veritable tool for improving operational effectiveness in the armed forces.
Oamen said it was aimed at identifying and encouraging innovations, as well as research and development with a view to building capacity and capabilities of the armed forces in support of national security imperatives.
According to him, the second quarter’s seminar has been programmed for two days to cover topics on artificial intelligence in defence transformation, a potential tool for enhancing operational efficiency in the armed forces.
He added that the second paper would be leveraging artificial intelligence for enhanced research and development towards transforming military operations lessons for the emphasis of Nigeria.
“It is hoped that proceedings from this seminar will serve as a veritable platform for charting workable strategies.
“This will improve the integration of artificial intelligent defence research and development, as well as drive transformational and innovative aspirations in the services,” he added.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA