By Vicky Attah, Correspondent
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to strengthening Nigeria’s local defence manufacturing capacity as part of efforts to reduce reliance on foreign military equipment and improve the operational readiness of the Armed Forces.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, Oluyede made the remarks during a strategic visit to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Ordnance Factory (ORDFAC), Kakuri, Kaduna, where he inspected production and research facilities and reviewed ongoing efforts to expand indigenous defence manufacturing.
During the visit, the Director-General of DICON, Major General BI Alaya, briefed the CDS on the corporation’s manufacturing capabilities, ongoing projects and future development plans.
Oluyede also toured key production facilities and received updates on measures being undertaken by DICON to increase local production and strengthen operational support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
At DICON’s Research and Development facilities, the CDS inspected a range of indigenous products developed by the corporation and commended its management and workforce for their efforts towards advancing Nigeria’s defence technology and manufacturing capabilities.
He said the Federal Government’s renewed focus on local defence production was critical to improving military preparedness, reducing dependence on foreign military hardware, conserving foreign exchange and providing sustainable logistics support for the Armed Forces.
The CDS further assured DICON of the continued support of Defence Headquarters in its transformation into a world-class defence manufacturing institution capable of meeting the operational requirements of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He stressed that strengthening domestic defence production remained a strategic priority for building a more resilient, self-sufficient and technologically advanced military.
The visit, according to the Defence Headquarters, also reflected the Armed Forces’ commitment under Oluyede’s leadership to promoting innovation and supporting indigenous research and development as part of efforts to advance Nigeria’s defence industrialisation objectives.
The CDS was accompanied on the visit by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General OT Olatoye; the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major General ASM Wase, and other senior military officers.
