‘Defence Equipment To Take Priority Over Imports’

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has said the federal government would prioritise made in Nigeria defence equipment over imports.

He said Nigeria does not need to look elsewhere to buy defence equipment but from Proforce company in Ogun State.

He stated this during an official tour of Proforce Factory in Proforce City, Ogun State where he commended the state of the art armored defence products and equipment manufactured by the  company.

In a statement by the director of information in the ministry, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, the minister said; “I am amazed with what I have seen. It is noteworthy that many of the essential items used in the Nigeria Armed Forces are produced right here.”

He said the tour was aimed at promoting strategic partnership with DICON that would enhance the Nigerian military’s efficiency in addressing security challenges.

He commended the president on the recently signed DICON Bill for setting an enabling environment for defence corporations to strive.

The minister consequently directed the director-general of DICON, Maj. Gen. Effiong Edet, to share more ideas with Proforce on how to strengthen the defence industry.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to support the defence industry, saying; “We will continue to support you in all manners possible to achieve the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to patronising Made in Nigeria equipment.”

Group managing director/chief executive officer of Proforce, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, shared groundbreaking collaborations with reputable international companies, stating that the collaborations had opened up a new era for Nigeria’s defence industry.