Increased patronage of indigenous defence firms would not only guarantee timely and reliable military support but also stimulate innovation, create employment opportunities and conserve foreign exchange
By Moses Okorie
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with indigenous defence manufacturers as part of efforts to build a self-reliant military and enhance national security.
Shaibu made the pledge when he received the Group Managing Director of Proforce Group, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, on a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief said developing Nigeria’s local defence industry was essential to improving operational capability and reducing dependence on foreign military hardware.
He commended Proforce for its remarkable growth since its establishment in 2008, describing the indigenous defence company as a source of national pride and a testament to the country’s growing industrial capacity.
Shaibu said Nigeria’s expanding security demands required stronger collaboration with local manufacturers capable of producing world-class defence equipment and technologies.
He noted that increased patronage of indigenous defence firms would not only guarantee timely and reliable military support but also stimulate innovation, create employment opportunities and conserve foreign exchange.
The COAS explained that the Nigerian Army’s expansion from eight to 12 divisions had significantly increased the need for sustainable local production and affordable procurement of defence equipment.
He therefore urged Proforce to sustain its investments in research and innovation by developing solutions specifically designed to address Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
Shaibu identified priority areas including counter-improvised explosive device technologies, ground-penetrating radar, foliage-penetrating surveillance systems and other advanced force protection equipment.
He also stressed the need for enhanced cooperation in emerging technologies such as signal intelligence, facial recognition, unmanned platforms and dark web exploitation, noting that such capabilities would strengthen intelligence gathering and improve operations against terrorists and other criminal elements.
In his remarks, Ogundeyin appreciated the Nigerian Army for its continued confidence in indigenous defence manufacturers, saying the partnership had contributed significantly to the growth of Proforce.
He said the company had developed into a multi-domain defence technology enterprise with expertise in the production of armoured vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, tactical equipment and weapons.
According to him, Proforce also provides intelligence solutions as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul services for defence platforms.
Ogundeyin said investing in local defence manufacturing offers strategic advantages, including improved operational security, shorter supply chains and faster technical support for troops in the field.
He reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria with innovative homegrown technologies capable of addressing contemporary and emerging security challenges.
The meeting underscored the Nigerian Army’s renewed focus on leveraging indigenous innovation and strengthening partnerships with local defence companies to enhance operational readiness and advance Nigeria’s defence industrial development.