The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged the private sector to invest in Nigerian youths and indigenous defence manufacturing to strengthen national security, create jobs and boost economic growth.
Shaibu made the call on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during a visit to Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL) in Ogun State, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
The army chief described Nigeria’s youthful population as a valuable national asset, stressing that strategic investments in their talents, creativity and skills would promote innovation, address security challenges and enhance the country’s resilience.
He also emphasised the need to develop local technological capacity to reduce dependence on imported defence equipment and establish a sustainable domestic defence industry capable of meeting the operational needs of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
According to him, collaboration between the Nigerian Army, indigenous defence manufacturers and private sector investors is essential to accelerating technological advancement, improving operational effectiveness and protecting the country’s national interests.
Shaibu commended EPAIL for building a skilled and youthful workforce dedicated to producing protective equipment for military personnel and other security operatives.
He noted that investment in local production and human capital development would improve troop protection and operational readiness while stimulating industrial growth, encouraging technological innovation and strengthening national security.
Earlier, EPAIL Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Kola Balogun, praised the Chief of Army Staff for sustaining military pressure on criminal elements across the country.
Balogun said the company had the capacity to supply protective equipment to troops, attributing its ability to develop solutions suited to the needs of security agencies to the contributions of its young and innovative workforce.
The visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to promoting indigenous defence manufacturing and youth empowerment as key components of national security.
It also highlights the importance of partnerships between the military and private sector in advancing technological self-reliance, creating employment opportunities and developing local solutions to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
