04
Jun
Jun
NIGERIA GEARS TOWARDS SELF-RELIANCE IN MILITARY HARDWARE PRODUCTION
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CapitalTimesNews / 2 weeks
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- 2 min read
Nigeria is making significant strides towards self-reliance in military hardware production, marking a notable shift from its dependence on foreign military procurement. Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar disclosed this during a two-day working visit to key military institutions in Kaduna State. Abubakar commended the military’s ongoing efforts in training, local production, and refurbishing military assets. “Training remains a vital pillar in achieving Nigeria’s defence objectives,” he emphasized. The minister inspected several workshops, witnessing impressive progress in repairing and refurbishing damaged Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, tanks, and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs). New combat platforms, bulletproof glass, spare parts, and surveillance UAVs are being developed in local workshops, with some equipment already deployed to operational theaters. Abubakar praised the military’s innovation and technical expertise, calling for sustained investment in Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) to enhance operational efficiency. The minister highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defense capabilities, referencing the recent signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill into law. This legislation aims to facilitate local production, repairs, refurbishment, and supply of military hardware and ordnance for the Armed Forces and security agencies. Abubakar stressed the importance of supporting institutions like the Nigerian Defence Academy, AFIT, CED, and BETSL to build a self-reliant defence sector with skilled, competent, and committed military personnel. “We must continue to support institutions like NDA, AFIT, CED, and BETSL to ensure the development of skilled, competent, committed military personnel as well as defense production,” he said.
