The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army and indigenous defence manufacturers, describing local production as a critical pillar for enhancing Nigeria’s security architecture, military modernisation and economic resilience.
Speaking recently during a courtesy visit by the Group Managing Director of Proforce Group, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, and his delegation to the Army Headquarters in Abuja, the Army Chief stressed that building local defence capabilities would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while strengthening the country’s ability to respond to emerging security threats.
Shaibu commended Proforce Group for its transformation into a globally recognised indigenous defence company since its establishment in 2008, describing the firm as a source of national pride and a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s growing capacity to manufacture world class military equipment and technologies.
According to him, increased patronage of indigenous defence manufacturers would not only improve the operational readiness of the Armed Forces but also promote innovation, create high value jobs, conserve foreign exchange and contribute significantly to sustainable economic development.
The Army Chief noted that the recent expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions has increased the demand for reliable and cost effective defence equipment, making local manufacturing an indispensable component of the nation’s long term force development strategy.
He urged Proforce to intensify research and innovation in specialised defence technologies capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, particularly in Counter Improvised Explosive Device systems, ground penetrating radar, foliage penetrating surveillance platforms and advanced force protection solutions.
Shaibu also directed closer technical cooperation between the Nigerian Army and Proforce in critical areas such as signal intelligence, facial recognition technology, unmanned systems and dark web exploitation to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve the effectiveness of ongoing military operations against criminal and terrorist groups.
He maintained that leveraging indigenous expertise and homegrown technology would enhance intelligence driven operations, improve troop protection and provide the military with faster access to mission critical equipment tailored to Nigeria’s unique operational environment.
Earlier, Proforce Group Managing Director, Ade Ogundeyin, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for its continued confidence in locally manufactured defence solutions, noting that the partnership has encouraged the company’s steady expansion into a leading defence technology enterprise.
Ogundeyin said Proforce now possesses capabilities across armoured vehicle production, unmanned aerial systems, tactical equipment, weapons manufacturing, intelligence solutions and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul services, positioning the company as a strategic contributor to Nigeria’s defence ecosystem.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing sovereign defence technologies, stressing that indigenous manufacturing strengthens operational security, shortens logistics timelines, ensures rapid technical support and enhances the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.