The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called on the private sector to invest in Nigerian youths and local defence production to boost national security and reduce reliance on imported military equipment. This appeal was made during a visit to Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited in Ogun State. The COAS emphasized the need for developing local technological capabilities to meet the operational needs of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu highlighted the importance of Nigeria's youthful population as a critical national asset that can drive innovation, economic growth, and solutions to security challenges. He stressed that collaboration between the Nigerian Army, local defence manufacturers, and private investors is crucial for accelerating technology development and improving operational effectiveness. This partnership aims to strengthen the country's capacity to protect its national interests.
The COAS commended Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited for developing a skilled, youthful workforce dedicated to producing protective equipment for the military and other security agencies. He noted that local manufacturing would enhance troop protection, operational readiness, and industrial development. The company's efforts were praised for contributing to the country's technological self-reliance.
Engr. Kola Balogun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited, commended the COAS for sustaining operations against criminal elements across the country. He stated that the company has the capacity to supply protective equipment to troops and that its young workforce is developing innovative products tailored to the operational needs of security agencies.
The visit by Lt.-Gen. Shaibu underscored the Nigerian Army's commitment to indigenous defence production, youth empowerment, and public-private partnerships as key pillars of national security and technological self-reliance. The COAS's engagement with the private sector reflects the Nigerian Army's efforts to explore new strategies for addressing the country's security challenges.
According to Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, the COAS emphasized that Nigeria's youthful population remained a critical national asset whose creativity could drive innovation, economic growth, and solutions to security challenges. The COAS's statement highlights the importance of harnessing the potential of Nigeria's young population to address the country's security needs.
The Nigerian Army's push for local defence production and youth empowerment is seen as a strategic move to reduce dependence on imported military equipment and create jobs. The partnership between the Nigerian Army and Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited serves as a model for future collaborations between the military and the private sector in driving innovation and addressing security challenges.
Key points
- Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu urges private sector to invest in Nigerian youths and indigenous defence manufacturing.
- COAS commends Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited for developing a skilled, youthful workforce.
- Nigerian Army commits to indigenous defence production, youth empowerment, and public-private partnerships.
