President Muhammadu Buhari says the defence ministry has
been directed to set up a “complex” for the local production of military
weapons as part of efforts to ensure improved security.
Buhari disclosed this on Monday, at the mid-term ministerial
performance review retreat, held at the state house conference centre in Abuja.
The development comes weeks after the federal government
said it will enter into a partnership with Equipment Protective Applications
International Limited (EPAIL), a Nigerian company, on the production of
locally-made bulletproof vests and other security gadgets.
While listing the achievements of the current administration
on improving security, Buhari also said the national command and control
centre, which was established in May 2021 to curb the proliferation of weapons,
has been expanded to 19 states.
“To address our
over-dependence on other countries for military equipment and logistics, I have
instructed the defence 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 centre 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 aircrafts as part of our efforts to boost the nation’s
campaign against insecurity. The propeller-driven aircrafts are being used for
training, surveillance and attack by the military.”
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