The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has stated that Nigeria is making steady progress in shifting from foreign military procurement to local production of defence equipment.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mati Ali, the minister explained that the initiative is aimed at “facilitating local production, repairs, refurbishment, and supply of military hardware and ordnance.”
Describing the shift as a significant step toward national self-reliance and security, Badaru noted, “The shift to local production is expected to boost efficiency and reduce reliance on imported hardware.”
He made these remarks at the conclusion of his two-day working tour of military institutions and facilities in Kaduna State.
The minister visited key establishments, including the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Nigerian Army Command Engineering Depot, Buffalo Engineering Technical Services Limited, and the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology.
Commending ongoing efforts in local production, training, and asset refurbishment, Badaru emphasised that training remains a cornerstone in achieving Nigeria’s defence objectives.
While inspecting workshops, he expressed satisfaction with the progress made in repairs and upgrades, revealing that new combat platforms, bulletproof glasses, spare parts, and surveillance UAVs are already being produced locally.
“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.
Badaru praised the Armed Forces for their innovation and underscored the critical importance of Training, Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) in achieving operational efficiency.
He also called for greater collaboration among defence institutions and sustained investment in RDI to further strengthen military capabilities.
The minister concluded by highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s defence sector, referencing the recent signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill into law as a landmark achievement.
