By Elizabeth Tanko
Abuja, Nigeria — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to deepening patronage of indigenous defence manufacturers.
The COAS stated this during a working visit to PROFORCE Group office complex in Ogun State. This was stated in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Gen. Shaibu said patronising local manufacturers is key to achieving operational self-reliance, strengthening national security and building a resilient domestic defence industrial base.
He described local production of armoured vehicles and protective equipment as strategic to meeting the Army’s operational requirements.
Commending PROFORCE Group for its innovation and defence manufacturing, the COAS said sustained investment in home-grown capabilities would cut dependence on foreign suppliers, improve equipment availability and enhance response to evolving threats.
He said under his leadership, the Army will continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive for local content development and defence industrialisation, noting that a robust indigenous defence industry is critical to national security, technology transfer and long-term military capability.
In his remarks, MD/CEO of PROFORCE Group, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, thanked the COAS for the visit and reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering quality defence products that meet Army operational needs.
