John Shiklam in Kaduna
The Managing Director of DICON-D7G, Mr. Osman Chennar, has referred to as on the federal authorities to intensify help for native defence manufacturing and expertise switch to scale back Nigeria’s reliance on imported navy tools.
Chennar made the decision in an announcement yesterday in Kaduna because the organisation participated in and sponsored the continued African Defence Industries Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos.
He warned that dependence on international suppliers may depart the nation susceptible to provide chain disruptions and delays within the supply of navy tools, with attainable implications for navy operations.
He mentioned: “No nation can obtain real strategic autonomy if its vital navy capabilities stay closely depending on exterior provide chains.
“Nigeria must develop the capacity to manufacture, maintain, and sustain the equipment required by its Armed Forces.”
The assertion mentioned native defence manufacturing should prolong past the meeting of imported tools to the event of indigenous applied sciences, expert manpower, and sustainable manufacturing capabilities.
“Technology transfer must translate into practical industrial capacity, enabling Nigerian engineers and manufacturers to acquire the expertise required to produce, maintain, and upgrade military equipment,” the assertion added.
Chennar mentioned strategic partnerships had been vital to bridging the hole between navy necessities and home manufacturing capability.
He described AFRIDEX as a platform for bringing collectively authorities establishments, producers, traders, and researchers to discover alternatives for native manufacturing and industrial cooperation.
The assertion mentioned: “Building a strong defence industry requires coordinated efforts involving government institutions, private manufacturers, universities and technology companies working towards clearly defined national security objectives.”
Chennar additionally referred to as for elevated authorities help and personal sector funding in defence analysis, manufacturing infrastructure, and technical coaching.
According to him, sustained funding would allow native producers to develop aggressive merchandise, create expert employment, and retain a higher share of defence expenditure inside the home economic system.
“Indigenous defence manufacturing is not only a security priority; it is also an opportunity to stimulate industrial growth, develop technical expertise, and create employment for Nigerians,” he mentioned.
The organisation mentioned elevated home manufacturing may improve navy readiness by decreasing reliance on international suppliers for spare components, upkeep, and tools help.
It added that stronger native manufacturing may additionally allow Nigeria to provide defence merchandise to different African international locations, topic to relevant high quality requirements and export necessities.
“Nigeria has the potential to become a significant contributor to Africa’s defence industrial development. Achieving this requires sustained investment, innovation, and partnerships that strengthen local production capacity,” he pressured.
The assertion maintained that defence self-reliance didn’t indicate isolation from worldwide companions however required mutually useful relationships able to delivering expertise switch and long-term industrial improvement.
