The Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN) has urged the Federal Government and the Armed Forces to increase patronage of locally made defence equipment as a way of strengthening security and curbing insurgency.
Secretary-General of DIAN, Kola Balogun, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on the sidelines of the African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja on Thursday.
Balogun said consistent procurement of locally manufactured military equipment would not only boost the nation’s defence capabilities but also create jobs, reduce idleness among youths and close the recruitment gap for insurgent groups.
“It is an idle mind that provides room for ideological manipulation.
“Patronage of locally made equipment will engage more citizens productively, reduce unemployment and deny insurgents the chance of luring them into negative ideologies,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria already has policy instruments such as the Local Content Act and Executive Order 5, which are meant to protect indigenous capacity, but there is a need for stronger commitment to implementation.
He stressed that increased patronage would expand the local defence industry, foster regional collaboration and pave the way for an African-wide military force that relies on African-made equipment.
“It should no longer be about only Nigerian forces but about African forces, harmonising our capabilities to ensure inter-country exchange of equipment and collective security across the continent,” he added.
Balogun said DIAN would continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure standardisation of products and compliance with best practices, while encouraging more local producers to join the association.
“The more we encourage local capability, the more we reduce insecurity, strengthen our economy and secure our future,” he said.
