By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has called for a strategic partnership between Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and Proforce, in the areas of local manufacturing of defence equipment to enhance the Nigerian military’s efficiency in addressing security challenges.
The Minister made this call, while on official tour of Proforce Factory in Proforce City, Ogun State.
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In a statement signed by the Director of Press in the Ministry, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, the Minister also applauded
the state of the art armored defence products and equipment manufactured by the company saying that Nigeria government does not need to look else where to buy defence equipment.
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”.
On the recently signed DICON Bill, he commended Mr. President for setting an enabling environment for defence corporations to strive.
“The new DICON bill signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will prioritize made in Nigeria equipments over imported ones,” he said.
The Minister directed the Director- General of DICON, Major General Effiong Edet to share more ideas with Proforce on collaboration on how to strengthen the defence industry.
He reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to support the defence industries adding that, “We will continue to support you in all manners possible to achieve the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to patronizing made in Nigeria equipments”.
Earlier, the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Proforce, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, shared groundbreaking collaborations with reputable International Companies and stated that the collaborations has opened up a new era for Nigeria’s defence industry.
“Proforce is set to partner with Israeli Aerospace Industry to commence satellite production next month. Additionally, the company has joined forces with Russia to manufacture a number of aircrafts monthly here in Nigeria and has established a significant partnership with Kalashnikov of Russia to produce 100,000 weapons in the coming year,” he said.
According to Mr Ogundeyin, said, Proforce has further diversified its portfolio by initiating the production of home-made drones within Nigeria, showcasing the country’s growing self-sufficiency in defense capabilities.
He commended the Minister for the tour of Proforce’s facilities saying that it marks a significant milestone in the advancement of Nigeria’s defense industry and added that it highlights Proforce’s dedication to innovation and self-reliance in meeting the nation’s security needs.
