The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on foreign military equipment, emphasizing a shift towards local production and refurbishment of military hardware.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his media aide, Mati Ali, the minister disclosed that the country is making steady progress in developing indigenous capacity to produce, repair, and maintain military assets.
“This aims to facilitate local production, repairs, refurbishment, and supply of military hardware and ordnance,” Badaru said.
He noted that the new direction signals a major leap towards self-reliance, which is critical for Nigeria’s national security.
“The shift to local production is expected to boost efficiency and reduce reliance on imported hardware,” the minister added.
The development came to light following Badaru’s two-day working visit to military institutions and facilities in Kaduna State. His tour included inspections at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Nigerian Army Command Engineering Depot, Buffalo Engineering Technical Services Limited, and the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology.
During his visits, the minister expressed satisfaction with the efforts being made in training, local manufacturing, and the refurbishment of military equipment. He emphasized that manpower development is key to achieving Nigeria’s broader defence goals.
“Training remains a vital pillar in achieving Nigeria’s defence objectives,” he stated.
Badaru inspected several workshops where he was briefed on ongoing projects. He commended the level of progress made in producing and repairing combat platforms, bulletproof glass, spare parts, and surveillance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
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“Some of the equipment successfully constructed and repaired are made readily available for redeployment, while others are already deployed back to theatres of operations,” he explained.
The Defence Minister lauded the ingenuity and initiative of the Armed Forces, stressing the importance of sustained efforts in research, development, and innovation to achieve operational excellence.
He called for increased collaboration among military institutions and stakeholders, as well as more investment in military Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI).
Badaru also reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the country’s defence sector, citing the recent signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill into law as a major step in that direction.
