The House of Representatives has advanced the process of revolutionising the military’s industrial capabilities through the establishment of a Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB).
A bill for the establishment of the Bureau, sponsored by Rep Babajimi Benson from Lagos State, has passed for third reading at the lower chamber of the National Assembly and now set for concurrence from the Senate.
The document, as made available to journalists on Friday, also contains a provision seeking to have the Minister for Defence as chairman of the governing council, and those of Communication and Digital Economy and Science and Technology as members respectively.
“The bill seeks to create a Bureau with the objectives to conduct and coordinate robust research and development in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN); coordinate the research and development efforts of the three services of the Nigerian Armed Forces; crystallize the results of scientific and technical research on defence items and equipment for public and private institutions; provides scientific-technical information to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and allies amongst others.
“The Bureau is established as a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal, which may sue or be sued in its corporate name and may acquire, hold or dispose of moveable or immoveable property”, the document reads.
In his executive brief explaining the general principles, Benson said the bill comprises five parts and 34 sections, as well as a schedule, which contains supplementary provisions relating to the Governing Council and other provisions for miscellaneous.
The proposed enactment also made provision for appointment in the Bureau for other members of staff in accordance with the provisions of section 16 of the Bill.
“It is also provided that notwithstanding the provisions of section 14 of the Bill, the Council shall have power to create any office or directorate, necessary for the efficient running of the Bureau,” the document read.
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