By Gami Tadanyigbe
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for deeper collaboration between the Nigerian Army and indigenous Defence manufacturers, describing local production of military equipment as critical to strengthening national security, accelerating Military modernisation and building Nigeria’s Defence industrial capacity.
Shaibu made the call on Tuesday while receiving the Group Managing Director of Proforce Group, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The Army Chief commended Proforce Group for its growth and international recognition since its establishment in 2008, describing the company as a symbol of Nigeria’s growing capacity to develop world-class defence technologies.
“Proforce is an institution that elicits national pride,” Shaibu said, adding that the company’s success demonstrates the immense potential of Nigeria’s indigenous defence industry.
He stressed that increased patronage of local defence manufacturers would not only improve the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces but also stimulate technological innovation, create skilled employment opportunities, conserve foreign exchange and strengthen the nation’s economy.
According to the COAS, the recent expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions has increased the need for sustainable local production and cost-effective procurement of military hardware to support force development and long-term operational capability.
“The recent expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve Divisions underscores the need for sustainable local production and cost-effective procurement to support force development and long-term capability enhancement,” he said.
Shaibu also urged Proforce to intensify research and development of indigenous technologies capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
He identified key priority areas to include Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (Counter-IED) systems, ground-penetrating radar, foliage-penetrating surveillance technologies and other force protection capabilities.
The Army Chief further directed closer technical collaboration between the Nigerian Army and Proforce in the areas of signal intelligence, facial recognition technology, unmanned systems and dark web exploitation to improve intelligence gathering, disrupt terrorist and criminal networks and enhance troop protection across various theatres of operation.
Earlier, the Group Managing Director of Proforce Group, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, thanked the Nigerian Army for its continued confidence in indigenous defence solutions, saying the partnership had contributed significantly to the company’s growth.
Ogundeyin said Proforce had evolved into a multi-domain defence technology company with capabilities in the production of armoured vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, tactical equipment, weapons manufacturing, intelligence solutions and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services.
“Indigenous manufacturing enhances operational security, shortens logistics timelines and provides responsive technical support tailored to the operational requirements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing sovereign defence technologies and supporting the Armed Forces with locally developed solutions capable of meeting Nigeria’s security needs.
The meeting underscores the Nigerian Army’s renewed drive to strengthen local defence production and reduce reliance on imported military equipment as part of broader efforts to improve national security and enhance operational readiness.