Army Chief Pledges Support For Local Defence Manufacturers

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting local defence manufacturers to boost domestic production of armoured vehicles and military equipment. Shaibu gave the assurance on Tuesday during a working visit to the PROFORCE Group office complex in Ogun State, where he highlighted the importance of indigenous manufacturing to national security and military effectiveness.

Army Seeks Reduced Dependence On Imports

According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief commended PROFORCE Group for its innovation and contributions to Nigeria’s defence industry. Shaibu said sustained investment in locally manufactured military equipment would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, improve equipment availability and strengthen the Army’s response to evolving security threats. He added that the Army would continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive for local content development and defence industrialisation.

PROFORCE Reaffirms Commitment

The Army Chief stressed that a strong domestic defence industry was essential for national security, technology transfer and the long-term development of military capabilities. In his response, PROFORCE Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ade Ogundeyin, thanked Shaibu for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to producing reliable, high-quality defence equipment that meets the Nigerian Army’s operational needs. The visit underscores efforts to strengthen collaboration between the military and indigenous manufacturers to improve operational self-reliance and reduce reliance on imported equipment.