By Charles Maduka
The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, has disclosed plans to shift Nigeria’s military procurement strategy from foreign dependence to local production as part of a broader move toward national self-reliance and enhanced security.
According to a statement released by his media aide, Mati Ali, the minister explained that this new direction would facilitate the domestic production, repair, refurbishment, and supply of military hardware and ordnance. The initiative is expected to increase operational efficiency and reduce the country’s reliance on imported equipment.
Badaru made this known after concluding a two-day working tour of military institutions in Kaduna. Facilities visited included the Nigerian Defence Academy, Nigerian Army Command Engineering Depot, Buffalo Engineering Technical Services Limited, and the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology.
He praised the ongoing local efforts in military training and hardware production, noting that new combat platforms, bulletproof glass, spare parts, and surveillance drones are now being built and repaired locally.
“Some of the equipment successfully constructed and refurbished are already in deployment, while others are ready for redeployment to various theatres of operation,” he said.
The minister stressed that training, research, development, and innovation are vital to the Armed Forces’ operational success and called for continued investment and collaboration in these areas.
Badaru also highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defense sector, referencing the recent signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Bill into law as a key legislative support for this transformation.
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