Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has disclosed that Nigeria will begin large-scale native manufacturing of defence {hardware} subsequent 12 months for home use and export, notably to different African international locations.
Speaking on the inaugural Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos yesterday, the minister urged individuals to seize the chance introduced by the exhibition to spend money on Nigeria’s defence sector.
According to an announcement issued by the Chief Information Officer of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Queenet Iheoma-Hart, the minister stated the facet occasions scheduled to happen throughout the exhibition would strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations amongst defence institutions, authorities representatives, trade stakeholders, and different strategic companions.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, described AFRIDEX as a dynamic platform succesful of reaching the targets for which it was established.
In their goodwill messages, the Lagos State Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and the consultant of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Birame Diop, expressed optimism that the gathering would supply an inclusive platform for African international locations to broaden and revitalise their defence sectors.
Also, the Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General B.I. Alaya, recommended President Bola Tinubu for his continued help for DICON, and pledged to improve its manufacturing capability.
Following the opening ceremony, the Minister of Defence inspected exhibition stands that includes shows from varied international locations and held an govt assembly with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
Dignitaries in attendance included the Chief of Defence Staff, serving and former Service Chiefs, the chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Defence, and representatives from greater than 20 African international locations.
