President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding local arms production and reinforcing defence institutions as part of efforts to enhance Nigeria’s security and development.
Speaking on Friday at the graduation ceremony of Course 33 of the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja, the President represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima said scaling up indigenous defence capacity would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and improve the country’s ability to tackle insecurity.
“I must also commend the tradition of research excellence in this College. Your Presidential Treaties on Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2040 is a clear demonstration of this strength,” Tinubu said.
He added: “I have directed that relevant stakeholders study your recommendations and harvest the strategies you proposed, because strengthening indigenous manufacturing is indispensable to our nation’s security and development.”
The President described the NDC as a vital institution in building human capital in areas critical to national survival and commended the Commandant, management, and faculty for grooming the graduands for service in the Armed Forces, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as in allied nations.
Earlier, Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral J.O. Okosu, thanked the President for his administration’s solid support to the institution and expressed confidence in the abilities of the graduating participants.
He noted that the programme was designed to address pressing security challenges such as banditry and oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Deputy Commandant of the NDC, Major General Kevin Ukandu, also explained that the training had equipped participants with knowledge and skills in defence management, strategy formulation, command, and geopolitics.
According to him, the course prepares them for high-level policy, command, and staff roles in both single and joint service headquarters, as well as in civil and international appointments.
The Course 33 participants were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, and other local and foreign institutions.
