The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing patronage of indigenous defence manufacturers to strengthen operational self-reliance, improve national security and develop the country’s domestic defence industry.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, gave the assurance on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during a working visit to the PROFORCE Group office complex in Ogun State.
Shaibu stressed the importance of locally manufactured armoured vehicles and protective equipment in meeting the operational needs of the Nigerian Army, noting that domestic production remained essential to strengthening the military’s capabilities.
He commended PROFORCE Group for its contributions to indigenous defence manufacturing, particularly its efforts to develop home-grown solutions for the country’s security challenges.
The Army chief said sustained investment in local defence production would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, improve equipment availability and enhance the military’s ability to respond effectively to evolving security threats.
He also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s drive for local content development and defence industrialisation.
According to him, a strong indigenous defence industry would promote technology transfer, strengthen national security and support the long-term development of Nigeria’s military capabilities.
Shaibu’s position underscores the Army’s drive to expand local defence manufacturing as part of efforts to achieve greater self-sufficiency in the production and supply of military equipment.
Responding, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PROFORCE Group, Ade Ogundeyin, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army.
Ogundeyin said the company remained committed to producing quality defence equipment that meets the Army’s operational requirements.
The visit forms part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Nigerian Army and local defence manufacturers in advancing domestic production and improving the military’s capacity to address the country’s security challenges.
