President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the defence ministry to set up a complex for the local production of military weapons.
The president said the local production of military weapons is an action taken to strengthen the security situation of the country.
The president made this known at the mid-term ministerial performance review retreat that was held at the statehouse conference center on Monday in Abuja.
Meanwhile, this decision is coming weeks after the federal government agrees with Equipment Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL), a Nigerian company, on the production of locally-made bulletproof vests and other security gadgets.
According to Buhari while listing the achievements of his current administration on improving security, he said the national command and control center, which was established in May 2021 to curb the proliferation of weapons, has been expanded to 19 states.
He also said “To address our over-dependence on other countries for military equipment and logistics, I have instructed the defense ministry to create a modest military-industrial complex for the local production of weapons to meet some of the requirements of the country’s armed forces,” he said.
“This is being implemented under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), a military department responsible for arms manufacture.
“As part of the efforts towards strengthening our national security, we have increased investments in arms, weapons and other necessary equipment; expanded the national command and control center to 19 states of the federation; and established a Nigeria Police Trust Fund, which will significantly improve funding for the Nigeria Police Force.
“We have also approved the sum of N13.3 billion for the take-off of the community policing initiative across the country, as part of measures adopted to consolidate efforts aimed at enhancing security nationwide.
“It is gratifying to note that only recently, we received six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft as part of our efforts to boost the nation’s campaign against insecurity. The propeller-driven aircraft are being used for training, surveillance, and attack by the military.”
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