Buhari Tasks Defence Ministry On Military Industrial Complex

President Muhammadu
Buhari, has directed the Federal Ministry of Defence to design a plan for the establishment of a Military Industrial Complex for local production of weapons.
Buhari, who gave the directive at the graduation of Course 23 of the National Defence College in Abuja, said such weapons, when produced, would meet some of the requirements of the country’s armed forces.
He described as unacceptable Nigeria’s current over-dependence on other countries for critical military equipment and logistics.
“We must evolve viable mechanisms for near-self-sufficiency in military equipment and logistics production complemented only by very advanced foreign technologies.
“The Ministry of Defence is being tasked to draw up clear and measurable outlines for development of a modest Military Industrial Complex for Nigeria.
“In this regard, it is to liaise with other strategic MDAs and industries to re-engineer the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to meet national military hardware and logistics requirements.“
Buhari stated that his administration had since its assumption of office reviewed the nature and character of Nigeria’s security threats and challenges.
“We recognised first and foremost, the external dimensions of these threats and the need for international cooperation and common security mechanisms to tackle them,’’ the President said.
Buhari added that in the light of this realisation, his administration was convinced that the best approach was to work within the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC).
According to him, this is to mobilise a collective regional effort in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
The President, therefore, challenged the graduates and officers and men of the Armed Forces to work harder to win the war against terrorism.
“We must apply a comprehensive strategy and coordinate all elements of national power against terrorism and insurgency.
“We must show result-oriented leadership at all levels of military Command.
“We must set up an optimal organisation to manage and sustain operational performance; and we must show confidence and winning mentality.“
According to him, the Federal Government under his leadership will strive to meet the operational, logistic, training and welfare requirements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ameliorating the hardships of people living in areas most affected by insurgency.
The president further reassured that his administration had “the will, resolve and conviction to apply a comprehensive strategy and coordinate all elements of national power against terrorism and insurgency.’’
“You should be the source that lights up the environment wherever you find yourselves.’’
Earlier, the commandant of the College, Rear Admiral Patrick Agholor, said the institution had made numerous contributions to national security and development in the country.
Agholor said the college would continue to play important roles in national security issues and professional development of strategic leaders required for the armed forces and other para-military institutions as well as selected civil organisations.
The event witnessed the presentation of certificates to fellows of the college and awards of prizes to best graduates.
Col. Ibrahim Taiwo, who emerged the best graduate of the Course 23, won the President’s award while Col. M. Ekwaingen from Cameroon, won three different awards including Vice-President’s award for foreign graduates.