Nigeria Advancing Towards Self-Reliance in Military Hardware- Defence Minister Badaru

Emmanuel Daudu

Nigeria is making steady progress toward achieving self-reliance in military hardware production, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has declared.

The Minister made this known at the conclusion of a two-day working visit to key military institutions in Kaduna State, where he assessed advancements in military training and indigenous hardware production. The facilities visited included the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the Nigerian Army Command Engineering Depot (CED), Buffalo Engineering Technical Services Limited (BETSL), and the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).

Accompanied by senior military officials including Major General M.L.D. Saraso, General Officer Commanding 1 Division; Major General A.K. Ibrahim, Commandant of NDA; and Air Vice Marshal Sani Labaran Rabe, Commandant of AFIT the Minister inspected ongoing work on military assets and engaged with military personnel.

Speaking to journalists after the visits, Badaru praised the Armed Forces for their increasing capacity in local manufacturing and refurbishment of military hardware. He noted that the transition from foreign procurement to local production is vital for Nigeria’s security and strategic autonomy.

“The ongoing efforts in training, local production, and refurbishment of military assets are commendable,” the Minister said. “I saw firsthand the capabilities in repairing and upgrading damaged Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, tanks, and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs). New platforms, including Buffalo APCs, bulletproof glass, spare parts, and surveillance UAVs, are being developed locally some already deployed to active operations.”

He emphasized the critical role of training, research, development, and innovation (RDI) in enhancing operational efficiency and called for stronger collaboration between military institutions and increased investment in local defence technologies.

The Minister also highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence sector.

He referenced the recent signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill into law, which is aimed at empowering the local production and supply of arms and military equipment.

Badaru stressed the importance of sustained support for institutions like NDA, AFIT, CED, and BETSL in developing a skilled, self-sufficient, and technologically capable military force.