COAS backs local production of military equipment - Punch Newspapers
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting indigenous defence manufacturers to boost local production of armoured vehicles and military equipment. Shaibu gave the assurance on Tuesday during a working visit to the PROFORCE Group office complex in Ogun State, where he stressed the importance of local defence manufacturing in strengthening operational efficiency and national security. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS commended PROFORCE Group for its innovation and contributions to Nigeria’s indigenous defence industry. Shaibu noted that sustained investment in locally manufactured military equipment would reduce the country’s dependence on foreign suppliers, improve equipment availability and enhance the Army’s ability to respond effectively to evolving security threats. He said the Nigerian Army, under his leadership, would continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive for local content development and defence industrialisation.Make PUNCH part of your everyday experience.Add us to your Preferred Sources The Army Chief stressed that a robust indigenous defence industry remained critical to national security, technology transfer and long-term military capability development. Soldiers kill 44 terrorists in Borno Ministers-pay-billions claim was about past governments — APC Tinubu’s Saudi trip for Umrah, not treatment — Aide He also underscored the strategic importance of strengthening local manufacturing capacity to ensure that the military could meet its operational requirements with greater self-reliance. In his remarks, Shaibu said, “The Nigerian Army, under my leadership, will continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive for local content development and defence industrialisation.” He added that sustained investment in home-grown capabilities would help reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, strengthen equipment availability and improve the Army’s response to evolving security threats. In his response, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PROFORCE Group, Mr Ade Ogundeyin, appreciated the COAS for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering quality defence products that meet the Nigerian Army’s operational requirements. Ogundeyin said the company remained committed to supporting the military through the production of reliable equipment and the continued development of Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing industry. The visit highlights the Nigerian Army’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with local defence manufacturers as part of broader measures to enhance operational self-reliance, promote technology transfer and reduce dependence on imported military equipment. Gilbert Ekugbe Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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