By Augustine Ehikioya
Towards producing weapons locally for the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered establishment of Military Industrial Complex under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON),
The complex is to facilitate local production of weapons for the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The President made the remark while receiving the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, who paid him a visit. The visit was monitored by Security Watch Africa (SWA).
The directive, Buhari noted, was part of efforts to boost local capacity.
He said “We are equally taking Local Content seriously, building local capacity, in keeping with the mandate of Presidential Executive Order 5.
“In this regard, I have directed the Ministry of Defence to create a modest Military Industrial Complex, under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), for the local production of weapons, to meet some of the requirements of our armed forces.”
The President also disclosed that he received a briefing from the Chief of Naval Staff, on the new Naval platforms recently acquired, and which will be commissioned soon.
“As part of the efforts towards strengthening our national security, we have significantly increased investments in hardware and platforms for our Armed Forces, to enable them effectively continue their work of securing us and protecting the territorial integrity of the nation.
“In addition to several new Nigerian Navy platforms that have been delivered or awaiting delivery, in the last five years, we have acquired and inducted 36 new aircraft into Nigerian Air Force HQ, including the 12 new Super Tucano fighter aircraft which have recently arrived,” the President said.
He added “Just last week, HQ Nigerian Army took delivery of dozens of new Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), the latest in our major acquisitions of tracked and wheeled vehicles for the Army.
“On the Nigeria Police Force front, we have established a Nigerian Police Trust Fund, which will significantly improve funding for the Force.
“The Force is also acquiring substantial numbers of Operational Vehicles, APCs, Bullet-proof vests, Drones & other equipment,” he added.
Buhari assured that his administration will continue to support the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies in “every way we can, to help them become more effective in the execution of their mandate for the safety and security of Nigeria and all Nigerians.”